Estimation of (co)variance components, genetic parameters, and genetic trends of growth traits in community-based breeding programs of Bonga sheep

Abstract Community-based sheep breeding programs (CBBPs) have been adopted strategically to improve Bonga sheep, the most popular breed in Ethiopia. The present study was undertaken estimate genetic parameters and trends for growth traits inbreeding levels each CBBP. Data pertaining traits, spanning a period of seven years (2012–2017), were collected from 14 CBBPs. analyzed using General Linear Model procedure SAS performance over years. estimated by univariate multivariate animal model restricted maximum likelihood method WOMBAT software. regression average values animals on year birth. overall least square means?±?SE BW (kg) 3.10?±?0.010, 16.1?±?0.07, 24.7?±?0.20, 30.4?±?0.40 34.0?±?0.84 birth weight (BWT), weaning (WWT), six-month (SMWT), nine-month (NMWT) yearling (YWT), respectively. Direct heritability estimates selected models 0.56?±?0.030, 0.36?±?0.030, 0.22?±?0.040, 0.17?±?0.070 0.13?±?0.150 BWT, WWT, SMWT, NMWT YWT, Six-month selection trait presented positive 10 CBBPs, negative four Moderate high indicated scope further improvement BW. Additionally, correlation between that just one would also other through correlated responses.