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Genetic parameters for bodyweight, wool, and disease resistance and reproduction traits in Merino sheep. 2. Genetic relationships between bodyweight traits and other traits
A. E.
Huisman A B,
D. J.
Brown A B C
A
Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit1, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
B
Current Address: Hypor, 5830 AA Boxmeer, The Netherlands.
C
Corresponding author. Email: dbrown2@une.edu.au
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Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48(9) 1186–1193 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EA08120
Submitted: 10 April 2008
Accepted: 2 May 2008
Published online: 7 August 2008
Abstract
The Australian Merino is the predominant genetic resource for both the prime lamb and sheep meat industries of Australia. There are very few studies that provide good information on the relationships between wool and non-wool traits. The objective of this paper was to describe genetic relationships within bodyweight traits and between bodyweight and other traits recorded in Merino sheep. The genetic correlation between bodyweight, fleece weight and fibre diameter was positive (0.1 to 0.2). While fibre diameter coefficient of variation, staple length, staple strength, mean fibre curvature, and faecal egg count were not correlated with bodyweight. Scrotal circumference (0.4), number of lambs born (0.1), and number of lambs weaned (0.1) were positively correlated with bodyweight. Results indicate that selection for an increase in bodyweight will have a positive effect on eye muscle depth, fleece weight, and reproduction traits, while selection for an increase in bodyweight will have a negative effect on fibre diameter and fibre diameter coefficient of variation.
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