Abstract:

[Objective] The present study aimed to explore the growth and development characteristics as well as genetic traits of Xinggao mutton sheep. [Method] The data on birth weights, weaning weights as well as weights at 6 and 12 months of age of a total of 1 054 Xinggao lambs born between the year of 2018 and 2019 were statistically analyzed. Additionally, measurements of body height, body length and chest circumference of selected lambs were taken at 6, 12 and 24 months of age. Each lamb′s birth type and pedigree file were recorded in detail. WOMBAT software was used to undertake genetic evaluation on the birth weight and weaning weight. [Result] The heritability of birth weight and weaning weight of Xinggao lambs was 0.980 and 0.885, respectively, and the phenotypic and genetic correlations were 0.321 and 0.396, respectively. At 6 months of age, the weights of the ram lambs and ewe lambs represented 44.21% and 60.33% of those of their adult counterparts, respectively, and their body measurements exceeded 80% of those of the adults. [Conclusion] The birth weight and weaning weight of Xinggao mutton sheep were highly heritable and adhere to the genetic traits of rapid growth and development in the early stages of breeds for meat production.

Key words: Xinggao mutton sheep, growth characteristics, genetic traits, WOMBAT software