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Breech strike indicator traits for Merino sheep in non-seasonal rainfall environments

Tracie L Bird-Gardiner, Daniel Brown, J L Smith, S I Mortimer, G Refshauge

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Visual trait data collected from 2 sites of the Sheep CRC Information Nucleus Flock were evaluated for their suitability as indicator traits for breeding breech strike resistance in Merinos in a non-seasonal rainfall environment. Heritability estimates and genetic and phenotypic correlations were derived for breech, body and neck wrinkle, breech and crutch cover and dag. Yearling breech strike had a moderate heritability of 0.17 ± 0.09. Potential indicator trait heritability estimates ranged from 0.05 ± 0.06 to 0.58 ± 0.09. Genetic correlations between the visual traits and breech strike were moderate to high (0.39 ± 0.30 to 0.81 ± 0.54) with large standard errors. Yearling breech wrinkle, crutch cover and neck wrinkle were identified as the most important indicator traits for breeding breech strike resistant Merinos in a non-seasonal rainfall environment.
Original languageEnglish
Article number891
Pages (from-to)1-3
JournalProceedings of the 10th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production (WCGALP)
Issue numberSpecies Breeding: Sheep and goats (Posters)
Publication statusPublished - 2014
EventWCGALP 2014: 10th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production - Vancouver, Canada
Duration: 17 Aug 201422 Aug 2014

Keywords

  • Animal Breeding

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