Non-genetic factors affecting greasy fleece weight in Patanwadi sheep

Production records of 513 Patanwadi sheep spread over a period of 15 years (1998–2012) were analyzed to study the effect of non-genetic factors (sex of animal, period and season of shearing) on greasy fleece weight (GFW). The overall least squares mean of six monthly GFw was 579.61±4.65g. Significant differences between period of shearing, season of shearing and sex of animal on GFW indicated that environmental conditions might have played an important role in bringing about the variation in this trait. This further indicated that the records should be corrected for obtaining valid estimates of genetic parameters of GFW. Lower estimate of repeatability of GFW discourages selection of animals for higher GFW based on first shearing. The most probable producing ability of the top 5% animals ranged from 647.19 to 816.09g.