Genetic parameters for in vivo body measurements in
Suffolk sheep
M.J. Young, G. Simm
East of Scotland College of Agriculture, Edinburgh, EH26 0QE,
Scotland
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1990, 50: 403-406
Performance test data for ram lambs from a selection programme
in a Suffolk flock were used to estimate heritabilities for and
correlations (genetic and phenotypic) between three variables
(liveweight, ultrasonic fat depth (FD and ultrasonic muscle depth in the
live animal). Close agreement was found with previously published
values with the exception of the heritability for FD for which a high
value was estimated (0.55 ± 0.11). The latter result may reflect the
favourable nutritional conditions of the performance test allowing
animals to express their true genetic potential for fat growth.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
selection; heritability; genetic correlation; body composition;
in vivo; leanness; fat depth; muscle depth; ultrasound
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
