Genetic evaluation of producers of Kulunda fine-wool sheep breed by the quality of progeny

Abstract

The authors have studied the genetic value of producers of the aboriginal Kulunda finewool sheep breed based on various analysis methods of the productivity of their progeny. The data on 574 offspring (daughters) received from 16 rams-producers of the “Steptoe” breeding farm of Altai Krai were used in the research. The genotypes of ram progeny were evaluated by the productivity of the rams at one year of age. In assessing the fathers, the number of effective daughters needed to confirm a sufficient number of offspring was calculated. Water, soil, and feed were tested for heavy metals content in the sheep breeding area, which did not exceed the MPC (Maximum Permissible Concentration). The breeding indices of the progeny ranged from 114 to 1562. The live weight of the rams was 120 kg. The live weight of the daughters was 50.0 kg. The sheep (daughters) had a wool gain of 5.7 kilograms per ewe. The authors established a high homogeneity of the genotypes of rams producers in terms of the live weight of daughters. The genetic variability of the fathers was 3.2%. According to productivity indices, the rams-producers (#4452, 26133, 3611, 0125 and 44244) occupied the first five ranks. The effect of the genotypes of ram producers on the daughters’ live weight and wool hair gain was established. The ranking data showed the advantage of daughters in several traits obtained from prepotent producers. The authors suggest that ram sires no. 3611, 0125, 26133 and 44244 should be used extensively to improve breeding efficiency. The authors also applied the Hozo method in the absence of normal distribution of traits. In other cases, data processing by methods of variation statistics was used.