Genetic Parameters for Body Weight, Carcass and Wool Traits in Dohne Merino

Abstract

The Dohne Merino was introduced to Australia as a dual-purpose (wool and meat) breed at the end of 1990s with very limited genetic parameters available. Up to 373,639 records per trait were used to estimate genetic parameters for eight traits in this study. Heritability estimates (± s.e.) were 0.34 ± 0.02 for weaning weight (Wwt), 0.27 ± 0.01 for yearling weight (Ywt), 0.13 ± 0.01 for yearling fat depth (Yfat), 0.19 ± 0.05 for yearling eye muscle depth (Yemd), 0.37 ± 0.01 for yearling greasy fleece weight (Ygfw), 0.27 ± 0.01 for yearling clean fleece weight (Ycfw), 0.46 ± 0.01 for yearling fibre diameter (Yfd) and 0.28 ± 0.01 for yearling fibre diameter coefficient of variation (Ydcv), respectively. Significant maternal and maternal environmental effects (± s.e.) were found, being highest for Wwt (0.12 ± 0.01 and 0.05 ± 0.01, respectively) and of smaller magnitude for Ywt, Ygfw and Ycfw (ranging from 0.02 to 0.04). Negative correlations between direct and maternal genetic effects was found for Wwt, Ywt, Ygfw and Ycfw, ranging from -0.41 to -0.75. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between Ygfw and Ycfw were high (0.79 ± 0.01 and 0.89 ± 0.01, respectively) and moderate positive genetic correlations were found between Wwt and Ywt, Wwt and Ygfw, Yfat and Yemd, ranging from 0.26 to 0.54. These values were within the range of estimates found in the literature for Merino sheep.