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Published on: August 8, 2017
Genetic Evaluation of Growth Rate and Kleiber's Ratio Traits in Deccani Sheep Using Bayesian Inference
Yogesh B Kandalkar1, Nitin Eknath Gade2, Ravindra G Nimase1
1ICAR-Network Project on Sheep Improvement, Department of Animal Science and Dairy Science, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India.
Summary
Direct additive genetic variation for Deccani sheep growth is low. Incorporating maternal genetic effects in selection strategies can improve growth performance and Kleiber
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics and Breeding
- Quantitative Genetics
- Sheep Production Systems
Background:
- Understanding genetic influences on growth is crucial for livestock improvement.
- Deccani sheep are an important indigenous breed in India.
- Growth rate and Kleiber's ratio are key indicators of sheep productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate direct additive and maternal genetic effects on growth traits in Deccani sheep.
- To analyze genetic parameters for average daily gain and Kleiber's ratio.
- To inform breeding strategies for enhanced Deccani sheep performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2590 Deccani lambs (2011-2020).
- Applied Bayesian inference with animal models using BLUPF90 programs.
- Estimated heritability, genetic correlations, and maternal effects.
Main Results:
- Direct heritability estimates for growth traits were generally low (0.03-0.12).
- Maternal genetic effects contributed up to 9% to phenotypic variance.
- Negative genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects observed; positive correlations among growth traits.
Conclusions:
- Additive genetic variation for growth traits in Deccani sheep is limited.
- Maternal genetic effects play a significant role in growth performance.
- Integrating maternal effects into selection programs can optimize Deccani sheep breeding for improved growth.
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