Management and breeding policies for the use of the Booroola F
gene for increased flock prolificacy
J.A. Metherell
Moir Farm, R.D. 2, Balclutha
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1984, 44: 37-40
The Booroola F gene gives sheep breeders a unique method of
rapidly increasing the prolificacy of their flocks. Research data
indicate that on average, every ewe carrying the F gene will produce
about 1 extra lamb at each lambing. Breed type need not be changed from
those currently favoured as the F gene can be transmitted to any breed,
firstly by a series of controlled backcrosses and then by identifying
carrier sheep of the desired breed type. Management systems to cope
with large increases in lamb drop need to be developed along with
breeding programmes to predict more accurately the genotype of
individual sheep. These management systems and breeding programmes must
also incorporate a strong emphasis on the ability to rear triplet born
lambs to a marketable size.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Booroola F gene; genotype; prolificacy; management
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Last Updated 03-05-1997
