1ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Telangana
Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar-304 501, Rajasthan
*E-mail address: karunt04@yahoo.com
Online published on 14 March, 2016.
Genetic trends for traits under selection in Malpura sheep for live weight at six months (6WT) and first greasy fleece weight (GFW) were studied on 3944 Malpura lambs born over a 19 year period (1996–2014). The genetic trends were calculated by regression of average predicted breeding values for both the traits (6WT and GFW) on the animal's year of birth. Genetic trends were positive for these traits. Estimates for the gain for 6WT and GFW were 70.3 g and 2.43 g, per year respectively. Environmental trends masked the production potential of lambs, thus limiting the phenotypic expression for production traits in Malpura sheep. Selection was found effective for bringing desired genetic improvement in the flock.
Genetic trend, Malpura sheep, Phenotypic trend, Selection
