Variance component and breeding value estimation for reproductive traits in laying hens using a Bayesian threshold model.

Variance components and breeding values were estimated for 3 reproductive traits in a pure line of White Leghorn laying hens. The traits were proportion of fertile eggs of eggs set, proportion of first quality chicks of eggs set, and proportion of first-quality chicks of fertile eggs. A total of 3,020 hens were tested up to 3 times over a period of 7 d.