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Heritability estimates of wool follicle traits in sheep skin

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

M. A. Abouheif ,
C. LeRoy Johnson  and
M. P. Botkin
M. A. Abouheif
Affiliation:
University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071, USA
C. LeRoy Johnson
Affiliation:
University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071, USA
M. P. Botkin
Affiliation:
University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071, USA
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Abstract

Data were collected from 600 newborn lambs, offspring of 354 Western crossbred ewes and 26 rams, to determine heritability estimates as well as phenotypic and genetic correlations between wool follicle variables using histological techniques. Breed of sire and sire within breed were significant sources of variation in total and secondary wool follicle populations and secondary:primary (S:P) ratio. Heritability estimates calculated by regression of offspring on dam were slightly higher than by paternal half-sib correlation or regression of offspring on sire. Expressed as an average of the three methods of calculation, the heritability estimate for S:P ratio was highest (0·69), followed by estimates for secondary, total and primary wool follicles (0·52, 0·46 and 0·36, respectively). These estimates are similar to the heritabilities of fleece weight, staple length and fibre diameter. Selection for increased density, provided an accurate measure is used, is suggested as an effective means for increasing fleece weight within grade.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 39 , Issue 3 , December 1984 , pp. 399 - 403
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1984

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References

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