Comparison of growth curve in male layer chickens

Abstract

This study was aimed to obtain the growth curve of body weight in male layer chickens (Lohman MB 202) based on Logistic and Gompertz models. The frequently data of body weight from one day age to adult age were used for growth curve prediction. Total of one thousand birds from private sector poultry farm in Tasikmalaya Regency, Indonesia were used in this study as the data source. The growth curve estimation was calculated based on Logistic (L) and Gompertz (G) models using Curve Expert 1.4. computer program. The final weight (asymptote) in birds was reached of 1111.27 g (L) and 1685.13 g (G). Therefore, the weight of inflection (Wi) of birds were reached of 555.64 g (L) and 619.53 g (G). The time of inflection (ti) and maximum growth rate (GR) of birds in both models were 6 weeks and 19 g/week respectively. In conclusion, both models had similar coefficient of determination (R2) value. However, the growth curve of Gompertz model was confirmed as better growth curve for body weight of birds than that of Logistic model due to lower of root mean square error (RMSE) value.