Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/17000
Title: Genetic parameters for Lamb Autopsy Traits
Contributor(s): Jones, Robert Michael John (author); Brown, Daniel  (supervisor); Hinch, Geoffrey  (supervisor)orcid 
Conferred Date: 2014
Copyright Date: 2013
Open Access: Yes
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/17000
Abstract: Heritabilities and genetic correlations were estimated between individual and composite autopsy traits for lambs autopsied in the Australian Sheep Cooperative Research Centre information nucleus flocks between 2008 and 2011 (n=3,224). In addition, correlations were estimated between autopsy categories and the production parameters, Greasy-fleece weight and Yearling weight and the potential survival indicator traits: Lamb ease, Thorax circumference and Crown-rump length. All autopsy trait heritability estimates were low (range 0.01 - 0.04). For all traits a higher proportion of the variance was partitioned into the maternal permanent environment when compared to the direct effects (range 0.01 - 0.12) suggesting that selection based on lamb autopsy results would impart little advantage over the lamb survival trait itself in improving lamb survival. Genetic correlations between Lamb ease and all autopsy traits were positive indicating that birth trauma is related to all causes of lamb deaths and that Lamb ease may be a useful selection criterion in seed-stock flocks to reduce overall mortality. There were also positive genetic correlations between Thorax circumference after adjusting for birth weight and 2 classes of dystocia as well as a positive correlation between Thorax circumference and incidences of Starvation-mismothering implying that Thorax circumference may be a useful indirect field measurement to reduce death from these causes. Of concern was the antagonistic genetic correlations estimated between Greasy-fleece weight and a composite trait of All Dystocia classes plus Starvation-mismothering (0.27 ± 0.15) implying that selection for increased fleece weight could be having a detrimental effect on overall lamb survival.
Publication Type: Thesis Masters Research
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 070201 Animal Breeding
070202 Animal Growth and Development
060412 Quantitative Genetics (incl Disease and Trait Mapping Genetics)
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 300305 Animal reproduction and breeding
300301 Animal growth and development
310506 Gene mapping
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 830311 Sheep - Wool
830310 Sheep - Meat
839901 Animal Welfare
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 100413 Sheep for wool
100412 Sheep for meat
109902 Animal welfare
Rights Statement: Copyright 2013 - Robert Michael John Jones
HERDC Category Description: T1 Thesis - Masters Degree by Research
Appears in Collections:Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU)
School of Environmental and Rural Science
Thesis Masters Research

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