Studies on Western Australian Merino sheep, 2. Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates for objectively measured traits on ram and ewe hoggets using different model types
1994
Lewer, R.P. | Woolaston, R.R. | Howe, R.R. (Western Australian Dept. of Agriculture, Katanning. Sheep Breeding and Genetics Unit)
Data from a Western Australian experimental flock of Merino sheep were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for clean fleece weight, greasy fleece weight, average fibre diameter, and clean yield from hogget fleeces as well as liveweights at birth, weaning, 8-9 months, 11-12 months and 14-15 months of age. Simple models were fitted in which most environmental effects were omitted for comparison with results from models containing all recorded significant environmental effects. There were no significant differences amongst heritability estimates between models or sexes. Genetic correlations were calculated between sexes for each trait, with none being significantly different to unity. Ranges of heritability estimates across models and sexes were computed. Estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations were in reasonable agreement with other literature values. As with the heritability estimates, the model fitted did not result in important differences in either genetic or phenotypic correlations.
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