Diallel Cross Between Texel and Corriedale: Lamb Growth and Survival

Abstract Text: Preweaning growth and viability traits of 1047 lambs from a diallel cross between Texel and Corriedale were recorded between 2010 and 2013. Birth weight of live born lambs (BWT), weaning weight at 80 days of age (WWT), growth from birth to weaning (GBW), lambs viability at birth, at 72 hrs of age and at weaning were evaluated. Crossbreeding parameters were estimated. There were significant (P<0.05) effects of sex, birth type, and age of dam on growth traits. Females lambs presented higher probability of surviving than males at birth (0.94 vs. 0.89) and at 72 hrs (0.93 vs. 0.82). A positive additive effect of Texel was estimated in BWT (6.9%), WWT (14.2%) and GBW (16.5%), and a positive maternal effect in WWT (5.5%) and GBW (8.3%). Due to heterosis, crossbred lambs had higher probability of surviving than purebreds at 72 hrs and at weaning.

Keywords:

additive effect

heterosis

lamb survival