Between-flock genetic differences in 40 Merino studs

Abstract

Breeding values of production traits, relative to a genetic control flock, were  estimated for 40 registered Merino studs. Breeding values, expressed as a percentage deviation from the control flock, varied from -16.7 to 31.2 for body mass, --6.4 to 28.1 for clean fleece mass and -3.7 to 13.2 for fibre diameter. The results indicate that some studs differed genetically. The correlations between stud phenotypicmeans and estimated breeding values for production traits were very low and statistically significant only for crimps per 25 mm (0.512) and total fold score (0.424). Overall means, standarddeviations and correlationsfor the unselectedtwo-toothewe and ram progeny of the 40 studs, are presented.

Teelwaardes vir produksiekenmerke,relatief tot 'n genetiese kontroletrop, is vir 40 geregistreerde Merinostoeterye bereken. Teelwaardes, uitgedruk as 'n persentasie afwykingvanaf die kontroletrop,het gevarieer vanaf -16.7 tot 31.2 vir liggaamsmassa,-6.4 tot 28.1 vir skoonwolmassaen -3.7 tot 13.2 vir veseldikte. Die resultate dui op genetiese verskille tussen sommige stoeterye. Die korrelasies tussen stoet fenotipiese gemiddelde en beraamde teelwaarde vir produksiekenmerkewas baie laag en statisties betekenisvol vir slegs kartels per 25 mm (0.512) en totale plooitelling (0.424). Algehele gemiddeldes,  standaardafwykingsen korrelasies vir ongeselekteerde tweetand-ooie en -ramme van die 40 stoeterye,word gegee.