Genetic parameters were estimated for birth-, 42-day, and 100-day (weaning)
weight in the Dorper flock of the Glen Agricultural Institute in South Afr
ica. Direct heritability estimates of 0.11, 0.28 and 0.20 and maternal heri
tability estimates of 0.10, 0.10 and 0.10 were obtained for body weights at
birth, 42 and 100 days, respectively. The corresponding genetic correlatio
n estimates between direct and maternal effects were 0.35, -0.63 and -0.58,
respectively. Both direct and maternal genetic correlation estimates among
the traits were of moderate to high magnitude and positive. It is conclude
d that the traits can be improved by selection with no serious antagonisms
among traits studied. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.