Genetic parameters are important tools to know better the traits used in animal breeding programs and for assessment of the employed selection plan. Then, these parameters allow the establishment of strategies to be used in these programs. The performance and carcass traits are being used as criteria during broiler genetic selection, as body weight, breast weight and feeding conversion ratio. However, some of the body composition traits represent obstacles for avian production and processing, especially fat content and heart weight. Thus, in this review, the main aspects related to genetic parameters of these traits in broiler are addressed to provide a better understanding of the consequences brought from selection schemes employed and its involvement on the avian production.
abdominal fat; animal breeding; genetic correlation; heritability