Economic selection index to improve fiber quality in Mongolian Cashmere goats

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (i) to identify indicator traits that facilitate selection for decreased fiber diameter and (ii) to quantify the difference of aggravated genetic responses of an economic selection index applied to simultaneously favor reduced fiber diameter and increased cashmere fleece weight in indigenous cashmere goats in Mongolia. The accuracy of prediction by indicator traits and their combinations were compared to predict the economically relevant traits fiber diameter and cashmere fleece weight using a Best Linear Prediction method. Direct selection for fiber diameter resulted 0.39 µm decrease in fiber diameter, however, cashmere fleece weight hardly changed (-2.90 g) per generation. In contrast, using all traits in selection criteria, fiber diameter expected to decrease by 0.41 µm per generation due to the enhanced accuracy of prediction. The conclusion of this study was (i) estimated breeding values should be developed for fiber diameter, a major determinant of cashmere price, for every breeding buck and doe and (ii) economic selection indexes could simultaneously improve two genetically antagonistic and economically relevant traits in cashmere production system.