Preliminary genetic parameters for live weight and ultrasound scan traits in Merinos

Abstract

The Australian Merino has traditionally been bred as a wool-producing sheep, however it also contributes significantly to prime lamb and mutton production. To breed for improved growth and carcase characteristics (such as live weight, fat depth and eye muscle depth) accurate genetic parameters are required. This paper reports on estimates of the heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic relationships between these traits. Results show that all traits are moderate to highly heritable. There are moderate genetic and phenotypic correlations between fat depth and eye muscle depth at both yearling and hogget age. These results indicate that there is merit in selecting Merinos for better growth and carcase traits using available genetic technologies of estimated breeding values.