Abstract
Genetic analyses on economically important ostrich traits have currently only been done within trait complexes, such as breeding or slaughter traits. This study resolved the issue by investigating genetic correlations across the complexes of production traits in adult birds (i.e. egg and chick production as well as adult live weight) and slaughter traits in immature birds (slaughter weight, skin size, hair follicle score and nodule size score). All traits were heritable and variable indicating that responses to selection may be possible. Heritability estimates and genetic correlations within trait complexes were consistent with previously derived parameters. Two-trait analyses on single traits from each complex found generally negative genetic correlations of reproduction with slaughter weight and skin size, with the correlation between egg production and skin size being significant at -0.41. The genetic correlation between slaughter weight and adult weight was high and positive at 0.81, as expected when comparing the same trait measured at different life stages. Size dependent slaughter traits (skin size and nodule size) were also positively correlated to adult weight. These results are discussed in relation to ostrich production.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Titel | Proceedings of the 23rd Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG) |
| Antal sider | 4 |
| Udgivelsessted | Armidale, Australia |
| Forlag | Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics |
| Publikationsdato | 2019 |
| Sider | 394-397 |
| Status | Udgivet - 2019 |