Breeding for improving wool production

Abstract

Genetic groups year and season of shearing, sex and ewe's weight at lambing accounted for a significant proportion of variation in first and second 6-monthly greasy fleece weights of Rambouillet crosses with Chokla, Malpura and Jaisalmeri (F1, F2, 5/8, 3/4 and 3/4 interbreds), except that season did not influence significantly the second 6-monthly greasy fleece weight. Sex was not included in the analysis of the second fleece weight. Comparisons among genetic means showed that: (i) Chokla crosses were superior to the other crosses; (ii) there was a small and non-significant decline in both the greasy fleece weights with an increase in level of Rambouillet inheritance; (iii) interbreeding halfbreds and 3/4 breds resulted in a small and non-significant decline in fleece weight, except in Rambouillet x Chokla crosses for the second 6-monthly clip, where the decline was significant. The results indicate that crossing Indian carpet wool breeds with Rambouillet will improve greasy fleece production. Exotic fine wool inheritance should be stabilised at 50% and further improvement be brought through selection among the halfbreds.