Selecting for higher yearling weight usually leads to higher birth weights.
In some breeds, selecting heavily for increased fleece weight can lead to a slight decrease in fiber fineness.
Are you looking to apply these parameters to a or focusing on a particular goal like meat yield versus wool quality ? Genetic Parameters for Sheep Production Traits
Growth rates and weaning weights. These respond well to selection but are influenced by the mother’s milk production.
Traits rarely move in isolation. When you select for one, you often get a change in another—sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Selecting for higher yearling weight usually leads to
Traits like carcass lean meat yield and fiber diameter. You can make rapid progress just by selecting the best-performing individuals.
Reproductive traits like twinning rates or lamb survival. Because these are heavily influenced by environment/management, progress through breeding is slow. 2. Genetic Correlations: The "Package Deal" Growth rates and weaning weights
Breeders use "Selection Indices" to balance these correlations, ensuring they don't accidentally compromise animal health or product quality while chasing growth. 3. Repeatability: Consistency Over Time
