The comparative reproductive performance of polled and horned Merino rams

Abstract

The reproductive performance of genetically polled and horned Merino rams has been compared at Trangie Agricultural Research Station and at two commercial properties-one from the Trangie and one from the Wentworth district of N.S.W. There was no consistent result although statistically significant differences were recorded favouring one or other type of ram in a particular season. Absence or presence of horns, as determined by the poll gene, had little effect overall on the reproductive performance of the Merino ram.