Fibre Diameter Measured in the Post-Weaning Age Window is Genetically the Same Trait as Yearling Fibre Diameter

Abstract

Yearling fibre diameter profiles from the OFDA2000 instrument were used to derive records on mean and coefficient of variation (CV) of fibre diameter at multiple points in the post-weaning age window, from 20 to 90% of staple profile length. Genetic correlations were calculated between these traits and their yearling equivalents. Results showed that from 50% of the staple profile and higher, post-weaning fibre diameter is genetically the same trait as yearling fibre diameter. Although the derivation of CV of fibre diameter was less accurate, genetic correlations with the yearling expression were greater than 0.9 for all except one percentile point. The expected correlation between post-weaning and yearling fleece weight was also derived, and under simple assumptions it is not unreasonable to expect estimates of genetic correlations greater than 0.9.