With the objective to determine the combining ability of broiler matrix lines by means of factor analysis, single crosses (full diallel) within female lines (PP, KK and VV) were used. The evaluated traits were egg numbers from the 24th-32nd(P1), 32nd-40th(P2), 40th-48th (P3), 48th-56th (P4), 56th-64th (P5), 22nd-66th (P6), 32nd-66th (P7)), 40th-66th (P8), 48th-66th(P9), 24th-40th (P10), 24th-48th (P11)) and 24th-56th (P12) week of age. In the factor analysis, two factors were used, with the meaning biological factor defined after the factor rotation. The common factor 1 presented the bigger weight for the characteristic P6, being, then, considered the production factor. In the selection of superior progenitors based on the additive genetic value, the progenitor VV was the one that stood out. The superior hybrid for the two most important traits, peak of egg production and total egg production, involves the same progenitors, the PP and VV. The factor analysis provided factors with biological and economic meaning of easier use and interpretation.
factor analysis; combining ability; broiler matrix lines
