Development of a performance test for the selection of rams
having facial eczema-tolerate progeny
N.R. Towers, H.H Meyer, A.G. Campbell and C.A Southey
Ruakura Animal Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries, Hamilton and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pukekohe
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1983, 43: 221--224
A practical performance test identifying rams siring progeny
with greater than average tolerance to sporidesmin-induced liver damage
(facial eczema) has been developed. The performance test, which can be
conducted under field conditions using toxic pasture as the challenge,
depends on measuring elevations in plasma gamma glutamyltransferase
levels as a non-destructive way of assessing sporidesmin-induced liver
damage. Selection for tolerance to facial eczema in commercial flocks
is now feasible. Trial results indicate rapid responses to selection
can be expected.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Facial eczema; heritable tolerance; performance testing
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Last Updated 03-05-1997
