Abstract
Visual traits are considered valuable components within the breeding objectives of many Merino breeders. This paper aimed to estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations between visual traits and growth, body composition, reproduction and survival in adult ewes. The data were derived from Merino Lifetime Productivity (MLP) sites. Heritability estimates were high for body weight, eye muscle depth, fat depth, body wrinkle, breech wrinkle, breech cover and classer grade (0.32 – 0.64), moderate for urine stain (0.21) and legs score (0.23) and low for weaning rate (0.07) and ewe survival (0.06). Low to moderate negative (favourable) genetic correlations were estimated between the visual traits and body weight and composition, reproduction, and survival traits. Phenotypic correlations between the visual traits and adult body composition and weaning rate traits were negative and low. The genetic and phenotypic correlations estimated in this study were generally favourable hence consideration of visual traits in selection and classing may have beneficial effects on adult ewe performance.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 47-50 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics |
| Volume | 25 |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Jul 2023 |
| Event | AAABG 2023: 25th Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics - The University Club of Western Australia, Perth, Australia Duration: 26 Jul 2023 → 28 Jul 2023 |
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