Phenotypic and genetic parameters of weaning traits in Dorper sheep in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Data on weight and conformation score of 2466 Dorper lambs at weaning obtained over three lambing seasons in each of five years were analysed by least-squares procedures. Year-season of birth, rearing class, weaning age, age of dam and sex of lamb were significant sources of variation in weaning weight, and, with the exception of sex of lamb, in conformation score as well. Heritability estimates for weaning weight and conformation score were 0.19 and 0.09, and repeatability estimates 0.27 and 0.10, respectively. The heritability estimate for weaning weight was larger in twin lambs, than in singles. The genetic correlation between weaning weight and conformation score was 0.47.