Genetic parameters for yearling wool production, wool quality and bodyweight traits in fine wool Merino sheep
A. A. Swan A B C , I. W. Purvis A and L. R. Piper AA CSIRO Livestock Industries, FD McMaster Research Laboratory, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
B Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU1), University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: andrew.swan@une.edu.au
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48(9) 1168-1176 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA07425
Submitted: 21 December 2007 Accepted: 27 May 2008 Published: 7 August 2008
Abstract
Genetic parameters were estimated for traits measured in the first year of production in a multi-bloodline flock of fine wool Merino sheep. Between 5025 and 9271 animals were measured, depending on the trait, and these animals were the progeny of up to 430 sires. Heritability estimates for fleece weight traits ranged from 0.37 to 0.49, while estimates for five wool quality traits ranged from 0.34 for staple strength to 0.66 for mean fibre diameter. For bodyweight, the heritability estimated at weaning was 0.20, and at the yearling age was 0.51. Maternal genetic effects were significant for fleece weight and bodyweight traits and were highly correlated between these trait groups, indicating that these effects are determined by similar groups of genes in both trait groups. While most genetic correlation estimates were either favourable or neutral, there were economically antagonistic correlations between fleece weight and mean fibre diameter, ranging from 0.15 to 0.30, and between mean fibre diameter and staple strength (0.26). Overall, the heritabilities and genetic correlations estimated in this fine wool population were similar to estimates from other strains, indicating that outcomes from selection programs will be similar across strains and that fine wool sheep can be included in across flock genetic evaluations with other strains.
Acknowledgements
The CSIRO Fine Wool Project was partially funded by The Woolmark Co. and the Cooperative Research Centre for Premium Quality Wool. We also acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the participating sheep breeders, and the dedication and professionalism of all CSIRO staff who worked on the project.
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1 AGBU is a joint venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and the University of New England.
