Phenotypic and genetic parameters for lamb and hogget traits in a flock of South Australian Merino sheep

Abstract

The heritability of and phenotypic and genetic correlations among weaning weight (WW). greasy fleece weight (GFW), scouring yield (YLD), clean fleece weight (CFW), fibre diameter (FD), crimps per inch (CR) and staple length (SL) were estimated in a flock consisting of a control and 2 selection lines of South Australian Merino sheep. The effects of type of rearing, age of dam and sex were also examined. Estimates were compared with those currently in use in WOOLPLAN (National Performance Recording Scheme for non-pedigreed sheep) and in other studies. In general, agreement between the present study and other estimates was good, but there were some exceptions, namely: (i) standard deviation of GFW and FD; (ii) 'adjustment factors' for day of birth, type of rearing and age of dam for GFW, CFW and liveweight traits; (iii) heritability of YLD; (iv) phenotypic correlations of GFW and CFW with FD, and between YLD and CFW and (v) genetic correlations of WW with GFW, CFW and FD. It is concluded that special attention should be given to these exceptions in order to decide whether alterations to current 'accepted' parameter values are justified.