Milk Yield-Fat Yield and Egg Size-Egg Weight Correlation

Milk yield and fat yield in dairy animals, and egg size and egg weight in poultry are ________ traits.

Correct Answer: Positively Correlated

From the notes (Examples of Correlation):

• Milk yield and fat yield → Positively correlated ✔ (more milk = more total fat produced in kg)
• Egg size and egg weight → Positively correlated ✔ (larger eggs weigh more)

Critical Distinctions (from notes)

• Milk yield & fat YIELD → Positive ✔
• Milk yield & fat % → Negative (dilution effect in high-yielding cows)
• Number of eggs & egg size → Negative (hens that lay more eggs tend to lay smaller eggs)
• Egg SIZE & egg WEIGHT → Positive ✔

Practical Use

Positive genetic correlations between desirable traits mean that selection for one trait automatically improves the other — a convenient situation in breeding programs.