Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar-125 004, Haryana
*E-mail address: dahiya642000@yahoo.com
Online published on 3 September, 2024.
To estimate the genetic parameters and trends of reproduction traits in Harnali sheep, data were collected from pedigree sheets of 650 female sheep. The overall least-squares means for age at first service (AFS), weight at first service (WFS), age at first lambing (AFL), weight at first lambing (WFL) and first lambing interval (FLI) were 591.23±0.21 days, 24.89±0.19 kg, 736.23±0.21 days, 28.77±0.10 kg and 374.84±0.67 days, respectively. Period of birth of lamb and weight of dam at lambing had significant (P<0.01) effect on AFS, AFL and WFL. Heritability estimates for AFS, WFS, AFL, WFL and FLI were 0.15±0.11, 0.55±0.11, 0.19±0.11, 0.32±0.08, and 0.05±0.11, respectively. Positive genetic and phenotypic trends for AFS, WFS, AFL, WFL and FLI were observed. Low heritability estimates for some reproduction traits indicated the influence of environmental factors and these traits can be improved by effective management practices in Harnali sheep.
Breeding value, Genetic parameters, Genetic trend, Harnali sheep, Reproduction
