Genetic studies on the south African Mutton Merino: growth traits

Authors
Neser, FWC Erasmus, GJ van Wyk, JB
Citation
Fwc. Neser et al., Genetic studies on the south African Mutton Merino: growth traits, S AFR J AN, 30(3-4), 2000, pp. 172-177
Citations number
19
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE-SUID-AFRIKAANSE TYDSKRIF VIR VEEKUNDE
ISSN journal
03751589 → ACNP
Volume
30
Issue
3-4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
172 - 177
Database
ISI
SICI code
0375-1589(2000)30:3-4<172:GSOTSA>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
Genetic parameters were estimated for 35-, 42-, 50-, 100- and 150-day weigh t in the South African Mutton Merino breed. The direct heritability estimat es obtained were 0.270, 0.366, 0.278, 0.185 and 0.115 respectively. The mat ernal heritability estimates for the respective weights were 0.494, 0.249, 0.129, 0.091 and 0.080. The correlation between the animal effects (direct and maternal) varied between -1.000 for 36-day weight to -0.376 for 150-day weight. Very little selection progress was made over the period (1980-1999 ) in the breed.