Incorporating subjectively assessed sheep and wool traits into genetic evaluations

Incorporating subjectively assessed sheep and wool traits into genetic evaluations

Author: 

 D. J. Brown

Article Type: 

General Articles

Keywords: wool traits, subjective, objective, genetic correlation

Extracts from report

Using pedigree and performance records obtained from two Merino breeders the phenotypic and genetic relationship between subjectively assessed sheep and wool traits and objectively measured wool traits were estimated. The genetic relationship with body weight, greasy fleece weight and fibre diameter variation were generally small.

The result suggest that selection for the subjectively assessed wool classing traits alone may not lead to maximum genetic progress in productivity however an integrated system is possible which would allow breeders to breed towards specific markets based on objective and subjective traits.