GENETIC TRENDS IN PERFORMANCE OF THE ROMNELET SHEEP DURING THE PERIOD OF BREED DEVELOPMENT

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Abstract
Performance records on the Romnelet sheep, developed from the Romney X Rambouillet cross [with introductions of Targhee and Romeldale in the early years], were analysed to determine genetic trends in birth weight, weaning weight, 18-month weight of ewes and yearling clean fleece weight from the F1 to the F7 generation.There were statistically significant (P < 0.01) reductions of 1.3 pounds in birth weight, 7.5 pounds in weaning weight at an average age of 136 days, 7.0 pounds in 18-month weight of ewes and 0.6 pound in yearling clean fleece weight from the first-cross to the F2 generation. There was a further significant (P < 0.05) decline of 0.6 pound in birth weight and a significant (P < 0.01) decline of 0.5 pound in clean fleece weight after the F2 generation, but no further significant change occurred in 18-month weight of ewes. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase of 7.8 pounds in weaning weight in the later generations.

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