Genetic and environmental factors affecting fleece traits in Bharat Merino sheep

Abstract

The contribution of genetic and phenotypic parameters for fleece traits in 3/4th bred 2425 Bharat Merino Lambs, sired by 154 rams over period of 1982-96 were evaluated. The year and season of shearing, sex of lamb, type of birth, age and weight of lamb contributed 8 to 42% of the phenotypic variability in the fleece traits. The least squares means for the first and second six monthly greasy fleece weights, staple length, fibre diameter and medullation percentage were 0.874±0.015 and 1.010±0.017 kg, 3.32±0.07 cm, 18.89±0.15 microns and 4.39±0.49% respectively. Correspondingly, the heritability estimates were 0.54±0.13, 0.31±0.09, 0.76±0.15, 0.46±0.13 and 0.15±0.10 respectively. The estimates of genetic correlation among the fleece traits ranged from low to high in magnitude. The wool yield had desirable and significant genetic association with the body weight but undesirable association with the fibre diameter. These estimates revealed the scope for the genetic improvement of these traits through appropriate selection index.