Heritability of type and condition in range Rambouillet lambs as evaluated by scoring.

D IFFERENCES in type (mutton conformation) and condition (degree of fatness) are generally considered to be responsible for differences in the price per pound when range lambs are sold on the market. Since these traits are most evident when the first culling of lambs occurs soon after weaning, it seems probable that they receive considerable emphasis in most sheep breeding enterprises. Despite the evident importance which seems to be attached to these traits, little reliable information concerning them is available. Estimates of heritability for type and condition as evaluated by scoring are presented in this study. Some knowledge of heritability is useful to the breeder in estimating how rapidly progress can be made in selecting for a trait, in deciding how much emphasis should be given different traits, and in choosing an efficient breeding system.