Genetic parameter estimates for pre-weaning weight traits in Dorper sheep.

Genetic parameters were estimated for birth-, 42-day, and 100-day (weaning) weight in the Dorper flock of the Glen Agricultural Institute in South Africa. Direct heritability estimates of 0.11, 0.28 and 0.20 and maternal heritability estimates of 0.10, 0.10 and 0.10 were obtained for body weights at birth, 42 and 100 days, respectively. The corresponding genetic correlation estimates between direct and maternal effects were 0.35, -0.63 and -0.58, respectively. Both direct and maternal genetic correlation estimates among the traits were of moderate to high magnitude and positive. It is concluded that the traits can be improved by selection with no serious antagonisms among traits studied.