Is Fibre Comfort Factor Required in Merino Breeding Programs?

Abstract

Genetic parameters for fibre comfort factor (FCF) and correlations with key production traits were estimated from research (Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation Information Nucleus) and industry data (Sheep Genetics MERINOSELECT). FCF is moderately to highly heritable and genetically consistent through life, with the yearling, hogget and adult expressions phenotypically (0.54 to 0.73) and genetically (0.97 to 0.98) correlated. The strong genetic correlations (rg) between FCF and both fibre diameter (FD) and FD standard deviation (FDSD) (range -0.58 and -0.92) indicate that selection to reduce FD or FDSD will generate favourable correlated increases in FCF. There would be little to be gained from including FCF in Merino breeding programs with an existing emphasis on reducing FD and it would be difficult for medium to strong wool breeders to add FCF to their breeding programs and maintain FD.