Genetic Parameters of Body Weights in Marwari Sheep

A study was conducted to estimate the effects of nongenetic factors on body weight traits and genetic parameters of Marwari sheep maintained at the Arid Region Campus, ICAR-Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Bikaner (Rajasthan). The overall least squares means of body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 3.16±0.02, 15.65±0.16, 21.92±0.20, 26.48±0.19 and 29.86±0.23 kg, respectively. All the genetic and non-genetic factors included in the study were found significant (P<0.01) on body weight traits except parity that was found significant only on weight at birth (P<0.01) and 3 months (P<0.05) of age. Heritability estimates for body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 0.26±0.16, 0.16±0.05, 0.17±0.05, 0.23±0.05 and 0.24±0.05, respectively. All the genetic correlations were positive and they ranged from 0.15±0.16 to 0.86±0.05. These factors may be utilized for further genetic improvement of the flock. Moderate heritability estimates indicate the presence of genetic variability in the flock and thus, the traits can be improved effectively by selection.