Genetic Relationships among Reproduction and Objective and Subjective Wool and Conformation Traits Measured in a Fine Wool Merino Stud

Abstract Text: Two of the main selection objectives of South African Merino producers are to increase body weight and to reduce fibre diamter. It is furthermore important that reproduction forms an integral part of any selection program. However, the antagonistic relationships of fibre diameter with body weight, clean fleece weight, staple length, number of lambs weaned and weight of lamb weaned implies that uncontrolled selection for fibre diameter would lead to animals being smaller, producing less wool, with shorter staples and a lower reproduction. It is evident from the results of this study, as well as the literature, that selection of replacement animals has to be done judiciously. All traits with economic importance must be included in a selection program, either as part of the selection objective or for monitoring to ensure no unwanted change.

Keywords:

Reproduction

Body weight

Wool