Estimation of genetic parameters for litter traits in grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus)
A. J. Henry A C , S. N. Ibe B and B. O. Asuquo A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria.
B Department of Non-Ruminant Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PMB 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
C Corresponding author. Email: affys.henry@yahoo.com
Animal Production Science 54(10) 1762-1764 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN14371
Submitted: 14 March 2014 Accepted: 26 June 2014 Published: 19 August 2014
Abstract
A study was conducted to estimate genetic parameters for litter traits in grasscutters. Data were obtained using 209 progenies from an unbalanced design of 18 does nested under six bucks. Heritability values of 0.56 ± 0.21 and 0.22 ± 0.22 were obtained for litter weight at birth from dam component and both sire and dam components, respectively. For litter weight at weaning, the heritability estimate was 0.66 ± 0.22 using the dam component of variance. Genetic correlation between litter weight at birth and litter weight at weaning was 0.59 revealing a positive relationship between both traits.
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