MERINO RAMS INFLUENCE THE REPRODUCTIVE ABILITY OF THEIR DAUGHTERS

摘要

The reproduction rate of ewes can greatly affect the profit margins of both meat and wool producing businesses, particularly when the price of meat or surplus animals is high, and when there is a need to increase selection pressure within the flock. In Merinos, there is more than a 65% range in EBVs for the number of lambs weaned, and there is a positive correlation between number of lambs weaned and fibre diameter (Fogarty 1995). This paper reports the effects of individual Merino sires on the reproductive ability of their female offspring.