Genetic parameter estimates for pre-weaning weight traits in Dorper sheep

Genetic parameters were estimated for birth-, 42-day, and 100-day (weaning) weight in the Dorper flock of the Glen Agricultural Institute in South Africa. Direct heritability estimates of 0.11, 0.28 and 0.20 and maternal heritability estimates of 0.10, 0.10 and 0.10 were obtained for body weights at...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Small ruminant research 2001-06, Vol.40 (3), p.197-202
Main Authors: Neser, F.W.C., Erasmus, G.J., van Wyk, J.B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dorper sheep
Genetic parameters
Growth traits
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Summary:Genetic parameters were estimated for birth-, 42-day, and 100-day (weaning) weight in the Dorper flock of the Glen Agricultural Institute in South Africa. Direct heritability estimates of 0.11, 0.28 and 0.20 and maternal heritability estimates of 0.10, 0.10 and 0.10 were obtained for body weights at birth, 42 and 100 days, respectively. The corresponding genetic correlation estimates between direct and maternal effects were 0.35, −0.63 and −0.58, respectively. Both direct and maternal genetic correlation estimates among the traits were of moderate to high magnitude and positive. It is concluded that the traits can be improved by selection with no serious antagonisms among traits studied.
ISSN:0921-4488
1879-0941
DOI:10.1016/S0921-4488(01)00172-9