Genetic variation in liveweight and ultrasonic fat depth in Australian Poll Dorset sheep

Abstract

Genetic and phenotypic variances and covariances were estimated for liveweight and ultrasonic fat depth in the Australian Poll Dorset. The data were obtained from the New South Wales Meatsheep Testing Service between 1983 and 1986, and involved 28 159 records from 50 stud flocks. A total of 681 sires were used to derive the half-sib genetic parameters. The data were further grouped according to average age at measurement, so that parameters were estimated for animals within age ranges of 4-6 months, 7-11 months and 12-16 months. Heritabilities for liveweight were between 0.21 and 0.31, with the highest value obtained in the oldest age group. Heritabilities for fat depth varied between 0.26 and 0.31, with the highest value again obtained in the oldest age group. Genetic correlations between liveweight and fat depth were about 0.4 except in 4-6-month-old animals where the estimate was about 0.7. The implications of these parameters to breed improvement programmes are discussed. In particular, the scope for genetic response in producing faster growing, leaner animals at a constant liveweight is highlighted. Information on sire-son generation intervals and apparently limited between-flock genetic variation is reported. The results indicate the need to improve the evaluation procedures for sires within the breed at both the between- and within-flock level.