Genetic parameters for live weights in fallow deer (Dama dama L.)

C.A. Morris, J.E. McCall, R.L. Baker, B.R. Southey

AgResearch, Ruakura Agriculture Centre, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1992, 52: 133-136

Analyses of live weights at birth, weaning (4 months of age) and at the yearling stage from 360 fallow deer born in 19887 to 1990 were carried out to examine non-genetic effects and to provide preliminary estimates of heritability and genetic correlations. Weights of breeding does were also analysed. Fifteen sires (17 mating groups) were involved, with 2 sires repeated across years. After adjustment for fixed effects, coefficients of phenotypic variation were 10.5, 8.2 and 5.7% respectively for the three weights. The range of birth dates within year, excluding 3 outliers, averaged 36 days (s.d. 7.9 days). The differences in weight between males and females were 0.27, 2.5 and 9.3 kg at birth, weaning and the yearling stage. Regressions of live weights on birth date were zero, -0.15 ą 0.01 and -0.10 ą 0.02 kg/day, respectively. Heritability estimates were 0.22 ą 0.17, 0.29 ą 0.19 and 0.41 ą 0.23. Phenotypic correlations among weights of deer up to 12 months of age averaged 0.41, and genetic correlations averaged 0.35. Phenotypic correlations among weights of breeding does averaged 0.68 and the repeatability of doe weight was 0.57 ą 0.04.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; Fallow deer; body weight; heritability; genetic correlation.

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Last Updated 25-01-1997