Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/19030
Title: Revisiting Total Weaning Weight as a Selection Criterion
Contributor(s): Bunter, Kim L  (author); Brown, Daniel  (author)
Publication Date: 2015
Open Access: Yes
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/19030
Open Access Link: http://www.aaabg.org/aaabghome/AAABG21papers/Bunter21201.pdfOpen Access Link
Abstract: Data from a single prolific Merino flock (N=10705 joining records) recorded over 10 years were used to estimate genetic parameters for annual total weight weaned (TWW) of ewes which weaned lambs (N=8615), treated as a ewe trait, and the accompanying reproductive traits. TWW was the sum of individual weights of weaned lambs to birth ewe. An alternative trait definition included ewes which lambed and lost, which received zero trait values (TWW0, N=9509). Both TWW and TWW0 were lowly heritable (range h²: 0.06-0.11). Most of the phenotypic variation in these traits resulted from variation in the number of lambs weaned. Trait definition significantly influenced both the observable variation in the ewe weaning weight traits (eg. TWW vs TWW0) and correlations with reproductive traits. Because total weight weaned traits combine direct and maternal effects, and multiple non-genetic sources of variation, prediction of response to selection for total weight weaned and its components depends on the trait definition used and accompanying population characteristics and genetic parameters. We conclude that selection on an index which combines breeding values for reproductive performance, and both direct and maternal contributions to weaning weight traits, should be considered to improve ewe productivity in a more predictable manner under dual purpose breeding goals. This index is provided by Sheep Genetics, which also appropriately analyses individual animal reproductive and weight data while accounting for systematic effects and multiple records.
Publication Type: Conference Publication
Conference Details: AAABG 2015: 21st Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Lorne, Australia, 28th - 30th September, 2015
Source of Publication: Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, v.21, p. 201-204
Publisher: Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG)
Place of Publication: Armidale, Australia
ISSN: 1328-3227
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 070201 Animal Breeding
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 300305 Animal reproduction and breeding
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 830311 Sheep - Wool
830310 Sheep - Meat
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 100413 Sheep for wool
100412 Sheep for meat
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: E1 Refereed Scholarly Conference Publication
Publisher/associated links: http://www.aaabg.org/aaabghome/proceedings21.php
Appears in Collections:Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU)
Conference Publication

Files in This Item:
3 files
File Description SizeFormat 
Show full item record

Page view(s)

2,232
checked on Mar 10, 2024
Google Media

Google ScholarTM

Check


Items in Research UNE are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.