Abstract
Phenotypic relationships were analysed between traits assessed at 14 months of age and for the next four consecutive years in Perendale sheep. Records from 458 sheep born between 1957 and 1967 were studied. Correlation coefficients indicated that yearling (hogget) fleece weight, quality number, fibre diameter, and staple length were good indicators of the level of these traits for the next four years. The results indicated that a weak relationship existed between hogget body weight and number of lambs weaned by the ewe over four lambings. A regression analysis of hogget traits on lifetime economic productivity of the ewe, estimated by applying various price functions to levels of production, indicated that fleece weight and hogget body weight had the greatest influence on lifetime economic productivity. Implications of the results are discussed with reference to culling of hoggets.
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