Genetics of lamb survival: Preliminary studies of the information nucleus flock
Date
2009
Authors
Brien, F.
Hebart, M.
Hocking Edwards, J.
Greeff, J.
Hart, K.
Refshauge, G.
Gaunt, G.
Behrendt, R.
Thomson, K.
Hinch, G.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Proceedings of the eighteenth conference : Matching genetics and environment : a new look at an old topic, Barossa Valley, S. A., 28th September - 1st October 2009 / Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics: pp.108-111
Statement of Responsibility
F. D. Brien, M. L. Hebart, J. E. Hocking-Edwards, J. C. Greeff, K. W. Hart, G. Refshauge, G. Gaunt, R. Behrendt, K. Thomson, G. N. Hinch, K. G. Geenty and J. H. J. van der Werf
Conference Name
Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics Conference (18th : 2009 : Barossa Valley, South Australia)
Abstract
Poor lamb survival is recognised in Australia as a major contributor to reproductive inefficiency in the national flock. This paper provides preliminary estimates of phenotypic and genetic parameters on lamb survival and related traits for the 2007 and 2008 data from the CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation’s Information Nucleus. The paper focuses on the potential utility of measurements on related traits for achieving genetic improvement in lamb survival. Although timed lamb behaviour traits show consistently high genetic correlations with lamb survival to 3 days of age, no obvious candidates have yet been identified for commercial use as indicator traits to genetically improve lamb survival.