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Alternative Methods Of Selection For Litter Size In Mice: I. Characterization Of Base Population And Development Of Methods, A. C. Clutter, Merlyn K. Nielsen, R. K. Johnson
Alternative Methods Of Selection For Litter Size In Mice: I. Characterization Of Base Population And Development Of Methods, A. C. Clutter, Merlyn K. Nielsen, R. K. Johnson
Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications
Studies on a base population of mice were used to establish an index of components of litter size and a physiological model for measuring uterine capacity to be used subsequently in a selection experiment evaluating alternative methods for practicing selection to increase litter size. Heritability estimates of litter size, ovulation rate and ova success (fraction of ova resulting in fully formed pups) were .18, .33 and .15, respectively. No significant genetic or phenotypic correlation was found between overall ovulation rate and ova success. Phenotypic means and genetic variances were higher for characteristics measured on the right than on the left …