The importance of early environmental effects on Merino fleece traits across two shearings

Abstract

<p>The importance of early environmental effects, and their estimates, on yearling and adult fleece traits recorded in 2 flocks managed under Lifetime Ewe Management (LTEM) guidelines were evaluated. Significance and overall influence of the effects of birth type and rear type were generally consistent with previous reports. However, estimates of the size of effects were generally larger than those previously reported, with the specific context of LTEM and impacts of management on early environmental effect estimates requiring further investigation.</p>