Genetic and phenotypic relationships between fertility and wool production in 2-year-old Merino sheep

1967 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
JP Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Standard Errors ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Correlated Responses ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Fertility Traits

Records of the lambing and weaning performance (fertility) of 2-year-old Peppin Merino ewes were analysed. Repeatability and heritability of number of lambs born and weaned were low. Heritability of number of lambs born was significantly different from zero (0.20 ± 0.10). Phenotypic and genetic correlations between the fertility traits and greasy wool weight, all measured at approximately 15 months of age, were calculated. Phenotypic correlations between number of lambs born or weaned and greasy wool weight were negative and significant. The phenotypic correlation between number of lambs weaned and clean wool weight was negative and significant. Significant negative genetic correlations were found between number of lambs born and both greasy wool weight and clean wool weight. Genetic correlations between number of lambs weaned and the fleece and body traits had very large standard errors. The results were used to estimate correlated responses in fertility resulting from selection for greasy wool weight, clean wool weight, and body weight of –0.08i, –0.13i, and 0.03i respectively.

Response to selection in Australian Merino sheep. VI. Inheritance of abnormal staple crimp; estimates of phenotypic and genetic parameters

1975 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 375 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Jackson ◽  
RE Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Phenotypic Variance ◽  
Correlated Responses ◽  
Environmental Correlations ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Fibre Number

The heritability of abnormal crimp in wool at various ages and the genetic and phenotypic cotreiations of crimp abnormality with several wool and body characters were estimated for Peppin Merino sheep. When examined by half-sib analyses of variance, the heritability of abnormal crimp scored at ages less than 4.5 years was low, whereas abnormality at 5.5 years and older was highly inherited. Heritabilities estimated by intra-sire dam-daughter regression analyses with fewer degrees of freedom did not show such a clear-cut pattern, although the estimates tended to increase with age. The genetic correlations of crimp abnormality scores at ages up to 4.5 years with scores at older ages were mainly low. Crimp abnormality scores at most ages had genetic correlations with wool and body characters at 15–16 months of age as follows: strong positive with fibre diameter, weak positive with greasy and clean wool weight, wrinkle score and staple length, and weak negative with fibre number. Genetic correlations with body weight, percentage clean yield, face cover score and crimp frequency were inconsistent. The phenotypic variance of crimp abnormality increased with age, owing almost entirely to an increase in the additive genetic variance. The environmental variance was approximately the same at all ages. Phenotypic correlations among crimp abnormality scores were generally higher between scores at close ages, and particularly at older ages. Crimp abnormality scores at all ages had positive phenotypic correlations with fibre diameter and wrinkle score and negative correlations with fibre number per unit area of skin and percentage clean yield.Crimp abnormality at old ages also had positive phenotypic correlations with greasy and clean wool weights. Environmental correlations of crimp abnormality with greasy wool weight, clean wool weight body weight and fibre number per unit area of skin were negative, and those with percentage clean yield and fibre number positive. Predicted correlated responses in crimp abnormality differed in some respects from correlated responses observed previously in groups of Peppin Merino sheep selected for high and low values of percentage clean yield, clean wool weight, fibre number per unit area of skin and fibre diameter. Methods of selection of sheep which would be expected to reduce crimp abnormality are outlined.

Genetic evaluation of production traits between and within flocks of Merino sheep. I. Hogget fleece weights, body weight and wool quality

1989 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 433 ◽  
Author(s):  
SI Mortimer ◽  
KD Atkins
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Genetic Variance ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Genetic And Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Fleece Weight

Wool production traits were measured on Merino hogget ewes in an unselected multiple-bloodline flock over a 7-year period at Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, N.S.W. The traits measured were greasy fleece weight (GFW), skirted fleece weight (SKFW), yield (Y), clean fleece weight (CFW), fibre diameter (FD), body weight (BWT) and staple length (SL). These measurements were used to examine genetic differences between and within flocks of Merino sheep, and to estimate heritability of and genetic and phenotypic correlations among these traits. Significant strain, flock within strain and flock effects were present for all traits. Interactions between these effects and year were non-significant. Within-flock genetic variance was always larger than between-flock within strain genetic variance for each trait. The influence of environmental effects on these traits was also examined. The environmental effects of birth-rearing type, age at observation and age of dam together accounted for about 7-10% of the total within-flock variation in fleece weights and body weight.After adjusting for significant environmental effects, paternal half-sib heritability estimates were 0.29 �. 0.06 for GFW, 0.22 � 0.05 for SKFW, 0.35 � 0.05 for Y, 0.30 �0.06 for CFW, 0.48 �0.07 for FD, 0.34 �. 0.06 for BWT and 0.44 �0.07 for SL. Estimates for genetic and phenotypic correlations were in agreement with published estimates except for the genetic correlation between CFW and FD (0.40 �. 0.11), and the genetic correlations involving BWT, which were essentially zero. The implications of the results of this study for the genetic improvement of Merino sheep for wool production are discussed.

Response to selection in Australian Merino sheep. III. Single character selection for high and low values of wool weight and its components

1970 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 955 ◽  
Author(s):  
HN Turner ◽  
MG Brooker ◽  
CHS Dolling
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Skin Area ◽  
Correlated Responses ◽  
Fibre Number ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Staple Length

Direct and correlated responses are reported for 10 traits in eight pairs of lines under selection for high and low values of single characteristics : clean wool weight per head, clean wool weight per unit skin area (measured only in the groups under selection for it), body weight, wrinkle score, fibre number per unit skin area (adjusted for body weight), fibre diameter, staple length, and percentage clean yield. All groups showed overall divergence in the character under selection, though response was not always symmetrical, and in two cases (long staple and low fibre number) there was no continuing response after the initial response to extreme selection of the base parents. In all except one case, whenever previous estimates of genetic correlation were at the level of 0.2 or higher, correlated responses were in the predicted direction, though not always symmetrical in magnitude. The exception was a previously reported negative correlation between fibre number and staple length, which was not exhibited under selection for either character. Where two characters of a pair were under selection, reciprocal responses agreed in sign; magnitude will be examined in a later paper. Wool per unit area was shown to have a greater influence on clean wool weight than that of surface area, with staple length on this occasion being the most important component of wool per unit area. Reasons for an apparent decrease in the relative importance of fibre number are discussed. Three other points of importance in sheep breeding are again emphasized by these results : 1. Crimp in several pairs of groups was a poor indicator of fibre diameter. 2. Increases in clean wool weight were associated with falls in crimp number, even though fibre diameter actually became finer; diameter, not crimp, should therefore be used as a guide to wool quality. 3. The absence of genetic correlations DL and NL indicates that selection can be for high N (fibre number) with high L (staple length) and low D (fibre diameter) -in other words, a desirable fleece -with no impeding genetic correlations.

Genetic and phenotypic parameters for reproduction, production and bodyweight traits in Australian fine-wool Merino sheep

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 207 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Dominik ◽  
A. A. Swan
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Relationships ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Reproduction Traits ◽  
Definition Of

The present study estimated phenotypic and genetic relationships between wool production, reproduction and bodyweight traits in Australian fine-wool Merino sheep. The data for the study originated from the CSIRO Fine Wool Project, Armidale, Australia. Data on wool characteristics, measured at ~10 and 22 months of age, bodyweight and several reproduction traits across consecutive lambing opportunities were analysed. The genetic correlations were moderately negative between fibre diameter measured as yearling and adult, and lamb survival (rg = –0.34 ± 0.15 and rg = –0.28 ± 0.14 respectively) and total number of lambs weaned (rg = –0.32 ± 0.21 and rg = –0.40 ± 0.21 respectively). The genetic correlations of yearling and adult greasy and clean fleece weights with number of lambs weaned and fecundity showed moderately to highly negative relationships and a moderately negative correlation with the number of fetuses at pregnancy scanning. Phenotypic correlations between reproduction and wool production traits were estimated to be zero, with the exception of bodyweight showing low to moderate positive phenotypic correlations with total number of lambs born and weaned. Genetic variances were generally low for the reproduction traits and resulted in low heritability estimates (from h2 = 0.03 ± 0.01 to h2 = 0.12 ± 0.13), with the exception of total number of lambs born (h2 = 0.25 ± 0.03). The study indicated that parameter estimation and trait definition of lifetime reproduction records require careful consideration and more work in this area is required.

Estimates of genetic parameters for pre-weaning and post-weaning growth traits of Chios lambs

1980 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. Mavrogenis ◽  
A. Louca ◽  
O. W. Robison
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Heritability Estimate ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Daily Gain

ABSTRACTData on 792 Chios lambs born during the 1972/73 and 1973/74 lambing seasons were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for birth weight, weaning weight, age at weaning, pre-weaning daily gain, body weight at 5, 10, 15 and 20 weeks of age, and postweaning daily gain. Body weight at 15 weeks of age had the highest heritability estimate (0·73 ± 0·17) and that of post-weaning daily gain was also high (0·56 ± 0·15). Selection for either weight at 15 weeks or post-weaning daily gain would be expected to yield a greater response than selection for pre-weaning daily gain or weaning weight. Genetic correlations among weights and/or gains were positive (approximately 0·20). Phenotypic correlations among weights and gains were generally higher than genetic correlations. However, the correlation between pre— and post-weaning daily gain was small (0·08). Likewise, post-weaning daily gain had low correlations with all weights before 10 weeks. Age at weaning had moderate negative associations with all weights but a very low positive correlation with post-weaning daily gain.

HERITABILITY OF TEAT NUMBER IN SWINE

1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 425-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. McKAY ◽  
G. W. RAHNEFELD
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Teat Number ◽  
Genetic And Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Selection For

Heritabilities were estimated for teat number in nine populations of swine over two time periods. From 1962 to 1974 the populations included Lacombe, Yorkshire, and Lacombe × Yorkshire. In this data set, only total teat number was recorded. From 1982 to 1988 three purebred populations (Landrace, Yorkshire, and Hampshire) and three crossbred populations (Landrace-Yorkshire rotation, Landrace × Yorkshire, and Landrace × Hampshire) were represented and total teat number and the number of teats anterior and posterior to the navel were recorded. Heritabilities for total teat number were greater in the 1982–1988 data (ranging from 0.27 to 0.47) than in the 1962–1974 data (ranging from 0.20 to 0.32). The heritability of posterior teat numbers (ranging from 0.08 to 0.39) was generally larger than the heritability of anterior teat numbers (ranging from 0.03 to 0.21) and both were considerably less than the heritability of total teat number. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were calculated for the relationships between anterior and posterior teat numbers (AP), anterior and total teat numbers (AT), and posterior and total teat numbers (PT). The relative magnitudes of the genetic and phenotypic correlations with respect to AP, AT, and PT revealed that selection for increased total teat number would increase the number of anterior and posterior teats. However, the larger genetic correlations for PT relative to AT would lead to a greater increase in posterior teat number than anterior teat number. Key words: Pigs, teat number, heritability, genetic correlation, phenotypic correlation

scholarly journals Genetic and phenotypic relationships between ovulation rate and body weight in the mouse

1970 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. B. Land
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Induced Ovulation ◽  
Selection For ◽  
The Absolute

SUMMARYThe genetic and phenotypic regressions and correlations between ovulation rate and body weight were examined in a random bred strain (Q) of laboratory mice during the course of three experiments. These experiments were (1) a sib analysis; (2) selection for natural and induced primiparous ovulation rate; and (3) replicated selection for 6-week weight. The following results were obtained:(a) The genetic correlations between body weight and natural and induced ovulation rate were positive, and approximately equal to 0·4 and 0·6 respectively.(b) The genetic regressions of natural and of induced ovulation rate on body weight were approximately 0·4 and 0·9 eggs per gram respectively.(c) The genetic regressions of body weight on natural and on induced ovulation rate were approximately 0·5 and 0·25 g per egg respectively.(d) The phenotypic correlation between natural ovulation rate and body weight was approximately 0·4 and the corresponding regression of ovulation rate on body weight approximately 0·4 eggs per gram.(e) The phenotypic correlation between induced ovulation rate and body weight declined from 0·4 at 6 weeks of age to zero at the time of scoring, the corresponding regressions of ovulation rate on body weight declining from 0·1 eggs per gram to zero.It was concluded that natural ovulation rate itself, and both its components (FSH activity and ovarian sensitivity) are positively genetically correlated with body weight. Furthermore, the observation that large mice shed at least as many eggs as small ones in response to the same dose of PMS showed that the response was more closely related to the absolute dose than to the resultant concentration.

Predicted and realized responses to selection for an index of bone length and body weight in Scottish Blackface sheep 2. Correlated responses in lifetime productivity

1986 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. D. Atkins ◽  
R. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproduction Rate ◽  
Base Population ◽  
Correlated Responses ◽  
Genetic Response ◽  
Bone Length ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Selection For

ABSTRACTA selection experiment with Scottish Blackface sheep was used to compare predicted and realized correlated responses to selection. Three lines were maintained between 1956 and 1974 in which selection was either at random or for high and low values of an index of cannon-bone length at 8 weeks of age adjusted for body weight at the same age.There was no evidence of asymmetrical responses in any trait. Selection for increased cannon-bone length, adjusted for body weight, resulted in (i) increased body weights at all ages between birth and maturity, (ii) increased reproduction rate, principally from increased litter size but also from small responses in ewe fertility and lamb survival and (iii) decreased survival of adult ewes. The realized genetic correlations were relatively small (up to 0·3) but mostly significantly different from zero, whereas base population genetic correlation estimates were very imprecise. The realized responses in reproduction rate were probably a consequence of the genetic response in body weight.

Genetic Parameters of Body Weights in Hill Sheep

1984 ◽  
Vol 1984 ◽  
pp. 45-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.D. Atkins
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Body Growth ◽  
Optimal Time ◽  
Correlated Responses ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Selection For

There are few published studies on the genetics of body growth to maturity in sheep. Such information is required for choosing an optimal time of selection for body weight and to predict correlated responses to selection at all stages of an animal's lifetime. The data were derived from a randomly selected control flock of Scottish Blackface sheep on a hard heather hill research farm in Peeblesshire, Scotland. The objectives of the analysis were to estimate the heritability of body weight at various ages between birth and maturity, and the genetic correlations between these weights.

scholarly journals CORRELATED RESPONSES IN WEIGHTS OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS PIGS - NIGERHYB - IN NIGERIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-119
Author(s):  
O. A. Adebambo
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Correlated Responses ◽  
Good Criterion ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Indigenous Pigs

Data collected on the weight of 1681 offsprings of improved indigenous pigs from 1984 to 1990 were used to obtain heritability estimates; genetic, environmental and phenotypic correlations among weights and gains from birth to mature and yearling weights. The estimates were used to predict expected change from correlated responses from single trait selection. Heritability estimates obtained from paternal half-sib analysis were birth weight 0.90 ±0. 08; gain from birth to weaning 0.14±0.11; 150 days weight 0.49±18; gain from weaning to 150 days 0.49±0.15; weight gain from.150 days to yearling weight 0.41 ± 026 and yearling weight 0.66±. Genetic correlations among all weights and gains were fairly high, ranging from 0.25 to 0.81. Selection for individual pig weight at 56 days appear to be a single good criterion for selection for growth at other ages with coheritabilities of 0.669 for 56 and 150 days weight and 0,856 for 56 days versus yearling weight.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document