Usefulness of subjective ovine milk scores: II. Genetic parameter estimates.

Usefulness of subjective ovine milk scores: II. Genetic parameter estimates.

Genetic parameters for a subjective milk score given to ewes within 24 h of parturition were estimated to determine the usefulness of milk score as a selection trait to improve milk production, which influences total litter weight weaned. Heritability of milk score and the genetic correlation of milk score with litter weight weaned were estimated by REML separately for four sheep breeds, Rambou...

Usefulness of subjective ovine milk scores: I. Associations with range ewe characteristics and lamb production.

Range ewes are commonly evaluated for milking ability by producers to determine the ewe's ability to rear lamb(s). The U.S. Sheep Experiment Station has subjectively scored (low, average, high) a ewe's milking ability within 24 h of lambing for many years. The relationship of subjective milk scores with lamb production was investigated using lambing records of Columbia (n = 1,731), Polypay (n =...

Milk fatty acid characterization and genetic parameter estimates for milk conjugated linoleic acid in buffaloes.

The objectives of this study were to analyse buffalo milk fat composition, to verify the activity of Delta(9)-desaturase enzyme in the mammary gland, as well as to estimate additive genetic variances for milk, fat and protein yield, and milk cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid percentage (cis-9,trans-11 CLA%). A total of 3929 lactation milk yields (MY) records from 2130 buffaloes and 1598 l...

Genetic Parameters for Subjective Milking Speed Scores

Genetic parameter estimates of body weight traits in Iran-Black sheep

The objective of the current study was to estimate the genetic parameters for body weight traits at different ages in Iran-Black sheep. Data collected during a 24-year period (1984-2008) on body weight were used to model the growth trajectory and estimate genetic parameters. Studied traits were birth weight (BW), weaning weight at 3 months of age (WW), 6 months weight (6MW), 9 months weight (9M...