Comparison of three Australian Merino strains for wool and body traits. I. Genetic means of studs and strains and their interactions with years and sexes

1970 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 815 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Jackson ◽  
EM Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Large Strain ◽  
Genetic Difference ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
New Classification ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Weight Yield ◽  
Diameter Fibre ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Australian Merino

Samples of breeding age rams and ewes were taken from seven studs representing three strains of Australian Merino, and run in a single environment at Hay, N.S.W. Measurements taken from the ram and ewe progeny of these sheep, born at Hay in 1964 and 1965, were used for a comparative study of wool and body traits of the seven studs. The traits measured were body weight, face cover, folds, greasy fleece weight, yield, clean fleece weight, quality number, character, handle, colour, staple length, crimp frequency, fibre diameter, fibre density, two estimates of the value of wool production per head, and the value of wool production per pound. Large strain and stud within-strain effects were present for both wool and body traits. Strain x year interactions in wool values were attributed to fluctuations in the wool market. Strain x year interaction in fibre diameter reflected variation between the strains in their response to changes in environment, as did stud within-strain x year interactions in greasy fleece weight, yield. and clean fleece weight. Strain x sex interactions were interpreted in relation to a proposed new classification of interactions. The amount of migration between pairs of studs was not related to the present genetic difference between them, for any trait. Schemes for extending the present study to a large number of studs are discussed. Preliminary results of selection experiments have suggested that strains may vary in their response to equal selection pressures.

A note on the effect of the F gene on wool production and live weight of Booroola × South Australian Merino rams

1985 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. W. Ponzoni ◽  
M. R. Fleet ◽  
J. R. W. Walkley ◽  
S. K. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Pleiotropic Effects ◽  
High Fecundity ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
F Gene ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Australian Merino ◽  
Staple Length

ABSTRACTThe effect of the high fecundity Booroola Merino gene (F) on wool production and live weight of Booroola x South Australian Merino rams classified as being offspring of FF, F+ or ++ Booroola sires was investigated. The characters studied were: greasy fleece weight in lambs, hogget (approx. 15 months old) greasy fleece weight and the associated scouring yield, clean fleece weight, fibre diameter, staple length and wool style; birth weight and live weight gains from birth to weaning in September (3 months of age), from September to the following March, and from March to September. There were no significant differences among sire genotypes in the characters studied. The results suggest that the F gene had no undesirable pleiotropic effects on wool and live-weight traits.

Corrigendum - How much is a genetically superior ram worth?

1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 403
Author(s):  
C Wade ◽  
M Goddard
Keyword(s):  
Discount Rate ◽  
Level Scheme ◽  
Genetic Difference ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Multiple Ovulation ◽  
Industry Practice ◽  
Breeding Schemes ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Australian Merino

The economic value of a genetic difference between rams was estimated for stud and commercial tiers in the Australian Merino industry. Discounted returns were predicted using the method of Hill (1974). Results were generated for breeding schemes considering natural mating (Scheme A), artificial insemination (Scheme B), the use of home-bred sires at daughter stud level (Scheme C) and the use of culled stud ewes in lower tiers (Scheme D). The effects of discount rate and ram flock life were assessed. The value of one extra unit of genetic merit in three traits (Clean Fleece Weight, Fibre Diameter and WOOLPLAN index score) was found for commercial, daughter and parent tiers. One extra kilogram of clean fleece weight (CFW) was worth around $817 for a commercial level ram (all Schemes) and up to $390000 for a parent level ram in Scheme B. The same improvement was worth $4 per semen dose used at commercial level, and up to $3977 at parent stud level (Scheme B). Increasing the discount rate devalued later returns, reducing the number of discounted expressions. Increasing ram flock life increased ram value but reduced semen value. The results are discussed for current industry practice and values obtained previously for commercial rams. The economic value of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer is considered.

Lupinosis and reproduction reduce the wool growth of Merino ewes

1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Barnes ◽  
K. P. Croker ◽  
J. G. Allen ◽  
N. D. Costa
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase ◽  
Subcutaneous Injections ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Weight Yield ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Glutamyl Transferase ◽  
The Impact

Summary. Lupinosis was induced in Merino ewes by subcutaneous injections of phomopsins. Liver damage and impairment of liver function was measured by increases in plasma activities of glutamate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase, plasma concentrations of bilirubin, and plasma clearance of bromosulfthalein. The wool growth of the ewes during and after exposure to phomopsins at different periods relative to mating was measured, and the impact of lupinosis on annual wool production assessed. Phomopsin administration decreased the length of staple grown during, and for at least 6 weeks after, exposure to phomopsins. Mean fibre diameter of wool grown during this time was also reduced. Annual wool production of the ewes was affected by exposure to phomopsins, with effects noted on fleece weight, yield, fibre diameter, strength and position of break. These effects were minor and varied between experiments. The adverse effects of reproduction on annual wool production were more significant than those of phomopsins.

How much is a genetically superior ram worth?

1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 403
Author(s):  
C Wade ◽  
M Goddard
Keyword(s):  
Discount Rate ◽  
Level Scheme ◽  
Genetic Difference ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Multiple Ovulation ◽  
Industry Practice ◽  
Breeding Schemes ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Australian Merino

The economic value of a genetic difference between rams was estimated for stud and commercial tiers in the Australian Merino industry. Discounted returns were predicted using the method of Hill (1974). Results were generated for breeding schemes considering natural mating (Scheme A), artificial insemination (Scheme B), the use of home-bred sires at daughter stud level (Scheme C) and the use of culled stud ewes in lower tiers (Scheme D). The effects of discount rate and ram flock life were assessed. The value of one extra unit of genetic merit in three traits (Clean Fleece Weight, Fibre Diameter and WOOLPLAN index score) was found for commercial, daughter and parent tiers. One extra kilogram of clean fleece weight (CFW) was worth around $817 for a commercial level ram (all Schemes) and up to $390000 for a parent level ram in Scheme B. The same improvement was worth $4 per semen dose used at commercial level, and up to $3977 at parent stud level (Scheme B). Increasing the discount rate devalued later returns, reducing the number of discounted expressions. Increasing ram flock life increased ram value but reduced semen value. The results are discussed for current industry practice and values obtained previously for commercial rams. The economic value of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer is considered.

Follicle curvature score and its relationships with wool production

1983 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-454
Author(s):  
R. Gonzàlez ◽  
A. Lombardini ◽  
W. Ibañez
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Australian Merino ◽  
Staple Length

ABSTRACTMedium-wool Australian Merino rams were sampled in 1978 and 1979 to estimate the relationships between the follicle curvature score, fleece and body characteristics.As a high correlation coefficient between two independent observers was found in both years, only one observer was used to correlate follicle curvature score with wool production.Repeatability of the follicle score between lambs at weaning and 14- to 15-month-old rams was 0·61*** and 0·65***.Clean fleece weight was significantly correlated with greasy fleece weight (0·8***, 0·9***), clean scoured yield (0·6***, 0·7***), staple length (0·4*, 0·5**) and crimps per cm (-0·3, -0·4*), but the correlation was very low with fibre diameter (0·01, 0·06).The correlation of clean fleece weight with body weight at 14 to 15 months varied between 0·2 and 0·5 (P < 0·001).Follicle curvature score was significantly correlated with clean fleece weight (-0·5**), clean scoured yield (0·6***, 0·7***), staple length (-0·4*, -0·7***), fibre diameter (0·3, 0·6***) and crimps per cm (0·4*. 0·6***). Non-significant correlations of follicle curvature score with greasy fleece weight (–0·2) and body weight at 14 to 15 months (–0·04, –0·1) were found.Depending on whether the proportion of superior 14- to 15-month-old rams which are to be retained for breeding is 0·10 or 0·05, then, according to our data, the proportion of lambs that can be culled at weaning (with an accuracy of P < 0·05) is 0·31 or 0·42, respectively.

scholarly journals Improving the nutrition of Merino ewes during pregnancy increases the fleece weight and reduces the fibre diameter of their progeny's wool during their lifetime and these effects can be predicted from the ewe's liveweight profile

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 794 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. N. Thompson ◽  
M. B. Ferguson ◽  
D. J. Gordon ◽  
G. A. Kearney ◽  
C. M. Oldham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Opposite Effect ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Poor Nutrition

Nutrition of ewes during pregnancy can have permanent impacts on the production potential of their progeny. The hypothesis tested in the experiments reported in this paper was that improving the nutrition of Merino ewes during pregnancy and lactation increases the fleece weight and reduces the fibre diameter of their progeny’s wool during their lifetime. In addition, that these effects on the progeny’s wool production can be predicted from the ewe’s liveweight profile. At sites in Victoria and Western Australia in each of 2 years, a wide range in the liveweight and condition score profiles of Merino ewes was generated by varying the amount of supplements fed from joining to Day 100 of pregnancy and the amount of feed on offer grazed from Day 100 to weaning. The site in Victoria was based on perennial pastures and included both single- and twin-bearing ewes whereas the site in Western Australia was based on annual pastures and included single-bearing ewes only. The production and characteristics of wool from the progeny were measured until 51 months of age at the site in Victoria and 33 months of age at the site in Western Australia. The nutritional treatments and the resulting changes in ewe liveweight had significant impacts on the fleece weight and to a lesser extent the fibre diameter of wool produced by their progeny, but there were no consistent effects on other characteristics of progeny fleece wool. The fleece weight of the progeny was related to the liveweight change during pregnancy of their mothers (P < 0.05) and the relationships were similar for the two experiments at each site. At the site in Victoria, a loss of 10 kg in ewe liveweight between joining and Day 100 of pregnancy reduced fleece weight by ~0.2 kg at each shearing until 51 months of age whereas gaining 10 kg from Day 100 of pregnancy to lambing had the opposite effect. The effect of changes in ewe liveweight during late pregnancy on the fleece weight of their progeny at each shearing was of similar magnitude at the site in Western Australia. When evident, the effect of the ewe liveweight profile on the fibre diameter of progeny wool was opposite to the effect on clean fleece weight and the effect of poor nutrition in early to mid pregnancy could be completely overcome by improving nutrition during late pregnancy. Twin-born and reared progeny produced ~0.3 kg less clean wool at each shearing (P < 0.001) that was 0.3-μm broader (P < 0.001) than that from single-born progeny at the site in Victoria. However, the effects of varying ewe nutrition and ewe liveweight change during pregnancy on fleece weight and fibre diameter of progeny wool were similar (P > 0.05) for both single- and twin-born or reared progeny. Overall, these results supported our hypothesis and it is clear that the nutritional management of Merino ewes during pregnancy is important for optimal wool production from their progeny during their lifetime.

Effects of inbreeding on four families of Peppin Merinos

1957 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 299 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Doney
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Genetic Effect ◽  
Direct Consequence ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Single Strain ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Fibre Number ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Australian Merino

The influence of inbreeding on several fleece and body characters in a strain of Australian Merino sheep is reported. The four families from which data were taken were derived from a single strain of Peppin Merinos. Inbreeding without selection has been carried on since the foundation of the families between 1939 and 1944. Inbreeding is responsible for a reduction in body size, fertility, greasy and clean fleece weight, and wrinkle score, but has relatively little influence on the fleece components (yield, staple length, fibre diameter, and density of fibre population). It follows that the reduction in fleece weight is a direct consequence of a decrease in total fibre number. Since the reduction in fibre number is likely to be a correlated effect of low pre-natal and early post-natal growth rates, it is suggested that the inbreeding has had no genetic effect on the several independent systems involved in adult wool production but has affected only those associated with fitness and vigour. The depression due to inbreeding therefore may not be caused by specific gene fixation but by increased homozygosity per se.

Studies on Western Australian Merino sheep. 1. Stud, strain and environmental effects on hogget performance

1992 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 1381 ◽  
Author(s):  
RP Lewer ◽  
RR Woolaston ◽  
RR Howe
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Strain Differences ◽  
Average Fibre Diameter ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Average Fibre ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Wool Yield ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Australian Merino

A 6 year study is reported of Merino studs and strains (Peppin, Collinsville and Bungaree) in Western Australia. Wool and body traits of males and females were measured, with additional subjective traits assessed on females. The effects of strain, stud (within strain), birth year, dam age, birth rearing rank, weaning age and their interactions were estimated using least squares procedures. When tested against studs, strain differences were significant for fibre diameter (both sexes), clean wool yield and about half of the subjective traits (females) but for none of the liveweights. Stud and year effects were significant for all traits, as was their interaction for most traits. Some studs were more stable between years than others in both clean fleece weight and average fibre diameter. Of the remaining effects, birth rearing rank influenced the greatest number of traits, while dam age only affected yield in ewes and some early liveweights. Peppins produced wool 2.0-2.3 microns finer than Bungarees, but not significantly different from Collinsvilles. Peppins also had the best subjective wool scores, but had the highest wrinkle scores and scored poorly on other subjective body traits. Twin-born hoggets produced 0.05-0.15 kg less clean wool than their single-born contemporaries, and their fleeces were about 0.4 microns coarser with poorer subjective qualities. Twins were also lighter from birth (by 23%) up to 17 months (by 5%) in females. Late-born lambs had higher birth weights, but lower subsequent weights, persisting until 12 months in females.

Assessing Wiltshire Horn-Merino crosses. 1. Wool shedding, blowfly strike and wool production traits

1994 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 717 ◽  
Author(s):  
KA Rathie ◽  
ML Tierney ◽  
JC Mulder
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
The Other ◽  
Wool Fibre ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Head Neck

Wiltshire Horn-Merino (WH-M) crosses of 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 Merino content were compared over 10 years for wool shedding, blowfly strike frequency and wool production traits. Merinos and 1/2 Merino WH-M were compared over 4 years. For wool production traits, 1/2 and 5/8 Merino WH-M ewes were compared to Border Leicester-Merino (BL-M) ewes over 2 years. Shedding increased with age for all WH-M genotypes, with 3/4 Merinos showing less shedding than 1/2 Merinos at all ages. At 1 and 2 years of age, 5/8 Merinos were intermediate between the other 2 WH-M genotypes, but at later ages they were similar to 1/2 Merinos. All genotypes showed less shedding at the belly site than the head, neck and breech as lambs, but not at older ages. Phenotypic correlations between sites on the same sheep were high, averaging 0.85. Repeatability estimates for each site ranged from 0.26 to 0.45. Shedding increased most with age in the 1/2 Merinos, and least in the 3/4 Merinos. Little or no shoulder and back wool was shed by most sheep. All 1/2 and 5/8 Merinos and most 3/4 Merinos had bare legs and points. Blowfly strike incidence was far higher in Merinos than 1/2 Merinos, in all years. Among WH-M, blowfly strike incidence increased as Merino content increased, in all years. All WH-M were far inferior to both Merinos and BL-M in total greasy wool weight and all its components, and also in clean fleece weight, with their level of inferiority increasing as their Merino content declined. Wool fibre diameter for all WH-M was coarser than for Merinos, but was a little finer than for BL-M. Fibre diameter increased in the WH-M as their Merino content declined. All WH-M had lower wool yields than the Merinos or BL-M. In some years the 314 Merinos had lower wool yields than the 1/2 and 5/8 Merinos, which were similar in all years. Shedding caused numerous genotype x age interactions in wool weight and its components, as Merinos and BL-M did not shed, and with the WH-M shedding increased most with age in the 1/2 Merinos, and least in the 3/4 Merinos. Due to preferential shedding from the belly and other low-value areas, the WH-M inferiority in total wool weight was less severe for fleece weight. Winter shearing succeeded in harvesting some wool from WH-M that would be shed before a summer shearing, but not enough to alter rankings among genotypes. All WH-M genotypes have wool too coarse, and not enough of it, to compete as a wool sheep with the Merino at current wool prices under usual Australian pastoral conditions. In areas where mustering is difficult or blowfly strike unusually severe, WH-M genotypes may find a niche.

Effect of stocking rate on fleece measurements and their relationships in merino sheep

1976 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
DH White ◽  
BJ McConchie
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Major Determinant ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Rate Experiment ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
One Year ◽  
Staple Length

The wool characteristics of Merino wethers were measured for 6 years in a stocking rate experiment. The decline in fleece weight due to increasing stocking rate from 4.9 to 12.4 sheep per hectare was usually accompanied by a reduction in fibre diameter and staple length and an increase in staple crimp frequency. The magnitude of these responses differed considerably between years; in one year clean fleece weight was reduced by 50%, with an associated reduction of 5 µm in mean fibre diameter and one of 2 cm in staple length. In four of the six years of the experiment, variation in fibre diameter accounted for at least 50% of the variation in wool production between stocking rate treatments. The relationships between clean fleece weight and fibre diameter were similar between years, mean fibre diameter being reduced by about 1.8 �m for each kilogram reduction in clean fleece weight. Fibre diameter is the major determinant of wool price, and this information should improve the prediction of economic responses to changes in stocking rate.

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