A Comprehensive and Pioneering Application of 19 Non-Linear Models for Characterizing Growth Dynamics of Dual-Purpose Marandi Chickens

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

1 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran-

2 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

10.22069/psj.2026.24365.2473

Abstract

Growth curve parameters (GCPs) are essential for predicting body weight, optimizing nutrition, and improving production efficiency in poultry. The Marandi chicken, an indigenous Iranian laying breed ("Azerbaijan Black"), has high genetic potential for egg production but remains understudied, with its growth trajectory not yet fully characterized. In this study, we rigorously judged and compared 19 non-linear growth functions ten three-parameter (Brody, Gauss, Gompertz, Logistic, Lundqvist-Korf, Negative Exponential, Verhulst, Von-Bertalanffy, Weibull) and nine four-parameter (Blumberg, Bridges, Gompertz, Janochek, Logistic, Lopez, Morgan-Mercer-Flodin (MMF), Richards, Weibull) to identify the most appropriate model describing the weight-age relationship in this breed. Weight records from 305 chicks across two flocks were fitted using the NLIN procedure in SAS, and model selection was based on Akaike's Information Criterion corrected for sample size (AICc). After judging all candidate models, the Morgan-Mercer-Flodin (4P) was selected as among the best-fitting for Marandi hens (AICc = 18894.19 and 8880.44 for flocks 1 and 2, respectively), while the Bridges (4P) ranked top for Marandi roosters (AICc = 8936.98 and 5617.08). Among the three-parameter models, the Gompertz (3P) consistently emerged as the most appropriate alternative across all genetic groups (AICc: 8882.97–8957.24). Estimated asymptotic weights ranged from ~1730 to 2430 g, with roosters achieving higher mature weights than hens. This comparative judgment reveals that selecting the optimal growth function is a critical preliminary step in designing effective breeding strategies. Given the heritability of GCPs, our findings provide a foundational basis for enhancing Marandi chicken breeding programs through targeted genetic selection and sex-specific management.

Keywords

References

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Poultry Science Journal
Volume 14, Issue 2
November 2026
Pages 251-267

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