The importance of date of birth records in genetic evaluation of
deer
P.R. Amer, G.B. Nicoll and D.J. Garrick
AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Private Bag 50034,
Mosgiel, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1999, 59: 129-130
This paper addresses one particular difficulty associated with
performance recording and genetic evaluation of deer, that is, the
problem of recording pedigrees.A deterministic simulation was carried
out using parameters based on deer populations where birthday has been
recorded. For weaning weight, failure to record birth date resulted in
reductions by 29% and 19% in selection accuracy, with selection on the
records from the individual or from 20 progeny respectively.
Corresponding reductions for yearling weight were 11% and 5%
respectively. It was concluded that while genetic progress in deer will
be compromised by lack of date of birth records, selection for growth
traits can still be effective.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
deer; breeding; genetic evaluation; date of birth.
Last Updated 06-08-1999
