Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters of some weight and fleece traits in a coarse-wool breed of sheep

Abstract

SUMMARYA study using 1150 lambs to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters of some weight and fleece traits was carried out on coarse-wool Barki sheep. The weight traits were birth, weaning, yearling weights and daily gains whereas fleece traits included kemp score, staple length and greasy-fleece weight.Heritability estimates of weight traits were within the range 0·25–0·30. Those of fleece traits were 0·16, 0·21 and 0·43. The repeatability estimates of fleece traits were 0·18, 0·38 and 0·53 for staple length, greasy-fleece weight and kemp score respectively.Phenotypic correlations between body weight and fleece traits were mostly positive. Genetic correlations between greasy-fleece weight and body weights were mostly positive and of medium values. Those between kemp score and body weights were mostly negative, ranging from medium-high to high.

Genetic and Non-Genetic Variability of Wool Production in the Egyptian Barki Sheep

“…This might be due to differences in nutrition level as a result of differences in rainfall and vegetation. These results were in agreement with those obtained by Guirgis et al, (1982) on Barki, Lewer et al, (1983) on Perendale ewes and Magid and Zaied (1992) on Barbary sheep. On the other hand, Aboul-Naga (1970), working on Merino, Ossimi and Barki sheep, found that differences in staple length due to year effect were not significant.…”

“…The high heritability of belly wool and fleece Kemp score in Barki lead to conclude that any improvement in belly wool cover will be obtained by genetic as well as environmental improvement on the basis of highly significant effect of year, sex and age on belly wool cover. The present of h 2 was close to that reported by Guirgis et al (1982), in Barki sheep as 0.43. In the same trend El-Gabbas (1993) reported that the genetic factors might have a major role in controlling Kemp score to give importance for selection programs as indicated by highly significant animal effect.…”

“…Azzam (1999) obtained nearly similar values in the same breed as 2.06. Guirgis (1980) and Guirgis, et al, (1982) reported lower Kemp score, in the same breed as 1.61 and 1.56, respectively. El-Gabbas (1993 and1994) found that the average Kemp score ranged from 1.84 to 2.09 in Barki sheep of the same flocks rose along the north western coastal belt of Egypt.…”

“…The heritability estimate of staple length (0.20) was similar to that found by Kadry (1971), in Barki sheep. Lower estimates obtained (0.16) by Guirgis, et al, (1982), in Barki sheep, 0.17 by Gajbhiye and Johar (1987) in Megra sheep, (010) by Taneja, et al, (1991), Megra sheep. Higher estimates of heritability (0.24) were reported by Madson & Chapman (1960), in Rambouillet sheep, (0.26) by Kadry et al, (1980) in Barki sheep, (0.40) by Lewer et al, (1983) in Perendale sheep, 0.55 by Cardellino, et al, (1998) in Polwarth sheep.…”

Effect of Biannual Shearing on Body Weight and some Wool Characteristics of Barki Ewes under Semi-Arid Conditions

“…Kemp score was lower (P<0.05) in G3 (1.55± 0.238) than in G1 (2.36 ± 0.238) while Kemp score of G2 (1.77 ± 0.238) did not differ than those of G1 or G3. The lower Kemp score is more desirable trait as particularly when companied with higher fleece opening (Guirgis et al, 1982). Wool characteristics: Mean fiber diameter (MFD) was thinner (P<0.05) in G2 (32.18 ± 2.067 µm) and G3 (29.68 ± 2.067 µm) than in unshorn G1 (36.74 ± 2.067 µm) but the difference between G2 and G3 was not significant (Table 4).…”