Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Life Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Series

1999

Sheep

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Genetic Parameters For Growth Traits For A Composite Terminal Sire Breed Of Sheep, E. Mousa, L. Dale Van Vleck, K. E. Leymaster Feb 1999

Genetic Parameters For Growth Traits For A Composite Terminal Sire Breed Of Sheep, E. Mousa, L. Dale Van Vleck, K. E. Leymaster

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Records of 9,055 lambs from a composite population originating from crossing Columbia rams to Hampshire ´ Suffolk ewes at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center were used to estimate genetic parameters among growth traits. Traits analyzed were weights at birth (BWT), weaning (7 wk, WWT), 19 mo (W19), and 31 mo (W31) and postweaning ADG from 9 to 18 or 19 wk of age. The ADG was also divided into daily gain of males (DGM) and daily gain of females (DGF). These two traits were analyzed with W19 and with W31 in three-trait analyses. (Co)variance components were estimated with REML …


Genetic Relationships Between Visual And Objective Measures Of Carcass Composition In Crossbred Lambs, H. E. Jones, G. Simm, W. S. Dingwall, R. M. Lewis Jan 1999

Genetic Relationships Between Visual And Objective Measures Of Carcass Composition In Crossbred Lambs, H. E. Jones, G. Simm, W. S. Dingwall, R. M. Lewis

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic and phenotypic (coroariances between objective measures and carcass visual scores, as a test of the potential value afvisual scores in selection programmes to improve carcass composition in crossbred lambs. In each of 1986, 1987 and 1988, 22 Suffolk rams were chosen with either high or low scores on an index designed to increase lean growth rate. These rams were joined with 18 to20 crossbred ewes each and theirlambs were grov.J11 on grass to one of three target live weights (35·5, 41·5 and 47·0 kg) for slaughter. The carcasses of 1881 lambs …