Genetic parameters for New Zealand cashmere goats
R.L. Baker, B.R. Southey, M.L. Bigham, S-A.N. Newman
MAF Technology, Ruakura Agricultural Centre, Private Bag,
Hamilton, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1991, 51: 423-428
Genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated for some
components of cashmere production using data obtained from goats born in
1987 and 1988 from flocks participating in a sire reference scheme. A
total of 33 sires and 841 progeny were included in the analysis.
Heritability estimates of weaning and yearling liveweights from
univariate restricted maximum likelihood (REML) analyses were 0.14±14
for fleece weight, 0.64±21 for yield of down, 0.57±19 for down weight
and 0.82±23 for down diameter. There was an unfavourable positive
genetic correlation between down weight and down diameter of 0.61±17 in
agreement with Australian estimates. Genetic correlations of yearling
liveweight with down and fibre diameter were slightly negative and also
indicated favourable relationships. The implications of these
parameters for the development of breeding plans and selection indices
for cashmere goats are discussed.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Goats; cashmere; heritability; fibre; selection index
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
