Genetic Parameters of Some Economic Traits in Arabi Ewes

Abstract

Data were analyzed of Arabi ewes flock (153) within productive years 1990-1999 to estimate the overall mean and genetic parameters which are heritability, repeatability, genetic and phenotypic correlations for fertility, litter size, ewes weight, lambs birth weights, milk and wool yield for this breed. The overall mean for fertility, litter size, ewes weight, lambs birth weights, daily milk yield and greasy fleece weight were 70.07%, 1.14, 50.24 kg, 4.52 kg, 0.59 kg and 1.67 kg respectively. Heritability estimates were low- moderate ranged (0.09-0.45). Repeatability estimates were low-high ranged (0.10-0.56). Genetic and phenotypic values of correlation between the traits were all highly significant (p≤ 0.01) except for the genetic and phenotypic correlation between birth weight and both daily milk yield, fertility, phenotypic correlation between greasy fleece weight and both fertility, litter size were non significant.

Keywords

• Arab sheep