Genetic parameter estimates for pre-weaning weight traits in Dorper sheep

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.