Robinson, Dorothy L

Mortimer, S I

Swan, Andrew

Purvis, I W

2007

Genetic parameters were estimated for classer grade, handle, style, crimp definition, colour, neck wrinkle and body wrinkle scores in fine wool yearling wethers and yearling and adult ewes. Most traits had heritabilities of 20-40% and high genetic correlations (0.8 or more) between yearling and adult scores. The estimated genetic correlation between handle scores of independent assessors exceeded 0.99. Genetic correlations between subjective measurements and objectively measured traits were generally favourable. Softer handle was associated with lower fibre diameter (genetic correlations of 0.56 in yearlings, 0.57 in adults), increased yield (-0.55 and -0.39) and whiter colour (0.45 and 0.32). Better crimp definition was associated with lower variability of fibre diameter (0.45 and 0.46), whiter colour (0.31 and 0.51) and stronger staples (-0.24 and -0.37).

Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, v.17, p. 336-339

1921208139

1328-3227

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/6311

Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG)

Genetic parameters for subjectively scored traits in yearling and adult fine wool Merinos

Conference Publication

Publication