| Sumario: | Genetic and environmental factors affecting performance of Adal sheep are investigated. Birth records of 723 Adal lambs at Melka Werer research station were analysed to determine effects on birth, weaning, 6-month and yearling weights and post-weaning daily gain. Year, sex and type of birth had highly significant effects on all traits except year on birth weight and post-weaning daily gain, and type of birth on post-weaning daily gain. Heritability estimates were of low magnitude, expect that of yearling weights. Genetic correlations were all positive and of high magnitude, except for those of birth weights. Taking yearling weight as the selection criteria is the most effective way for increasing body weight in comparison with other traits in the study.
|
|---|