Productivity and Reproductive Performance of Mixed-Age Ewes across 20 Years of Selection for Ultrafine Wool in Uruguay
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Period and Location
2.2. Animals, Nutrition, and Management
2.3. Measurements
2.4. Total Wool and Reproductive Traits Calculations
2.5. Estimated Gross Income per Ewe Lifetime
2.6. Statistical Analysis
2.6.1. Wool and Growth Traits
2.6.2. Total Wool and Reproduction Performance per Lambing Opportunity
3. Results
3.1. Wool Traits
3.2. Growth Traits
3.3. Wool Traits Trends
3.4. Growth Traits Trends
3.5. Total Wool and Reproductive Traits
3.6. Estimated Gross Revenue per Ewe Lifetime
4. Discussion
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Cardellino, R.; Wilcox, C.; Trifoglio, J.L. El Mercado de la Lana Y Su Efecto en la Producción Ovina Uruguaya; El País Agropecuario: Montevideo, Uruguay, 2018; pp. 22–24. Available online: http://actualidadagropecuaria.com.uy (accessed on 20 May 2020).
- Cardellino, R. La Producción de Lanas Merino Superfinas en El Uruguay; un Excelente Proyecto con Resultados Positivos y Medibles Durante las Últimas dos Décadas; DELTA Consultores en Producción Animal: Montevideo, Uruguay, 2020; pp. 1–7. Available online: http://www.camaramercantil.com.uy (accessed on 20 February 2021).
- DIEA-Dirección de Estadísticas Agropecuarias. Anuario Estadístico Agropecuario; Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca: Montevideo, Uruguay, 2020; p. 58. Available online: https://mgap.gub.uy/DIEA/Anuarios/Anuario2020 (accessed on 20 February 2021).
- INAC-Instituto Nacional de Carnes. Serie Anual Stock Bovino Y Ovino; Montevideo, Uruguay, 2020; Available online: https://www.inac.uy (accessed on 24 February 2021).
- Rowe, J.B. The Australian sheep industry–undergoing transformation. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2010, 50, 991–997. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Pattinson, R.; Wilcox, C.H.; Williams, S.; Curtis, K. Wool Industry and Future Opportunities; Department of Primary Industry: Perth, Australia, 2015; pp. 1–69. Available online: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au (accessed on 20 May 2020).
- Wei, C.; Luo, H.; Zhao, B.; Tian, K.; Huang, X.; Wang, Y.; Fu, X.; Tian, Y.; Di, J.; Xu, X.; et al. The Effect of Integrating Genomic Information into Genetic Evaluations of Chinese Merino Sheep. Animals 2020, 10, 569. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Huisman, A.E.; Brown, D.J.; Ball, A.J.; Graser, H.U. Genetic parameters for bodyweight, wool, and disease resistance and reproduction traits in Merino sheep. 1. Description of traits, model comparison, variance components and their ratios. Aust. J. Exp. Agric. 2008, 48, 1177–1185. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Walkom, S.F.; Brien, F.D.; Hebart, M.L.; Mortimer, S.I.; Pitchford, W.S. Season and reproductive status rather than genetics factors influence change in ewe weight and fat over time. 3. Analysis of Merino ewes. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2014, 54, 821–830. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Dominik, S.; Swan, A.A. Genetic and phenotypic parameters for reproduction, production and bodyweight traits in Australian fine-wool Merino sheep. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2018, 58, 207–212. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Walkom, S.F.; Thompson, A.N.; Bowen, E.; Brown, D.J. Weaner survival is heritable in Australian Merinos and current breeding objectives are potentially leading to a decline in survival. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2019, 59, 35–47. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Walkom, S.F.; Brown, D.J. Genetic evaluation of adult ewe bodyweight and condition: Relationship with lamb growth, reproduction, carcass and wool production. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2017, 57, 20–32. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Tait, I.M.; Kenyon, P.R.; Garrick, D.J.; Pleasants, A.B.; Hickson, R.E. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between production traits and adult body condition scores in New Zealand Merino ewes. N. Z. J. Anim. Sci. Prod. 2018, 78, 71–75. [Google Scholar]
- Tait, I.M. Genetic Parameters of Body Condition Score (BCS) and Effects of BCS and BCS Change on Ewe Performance. Ph.D. Thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 2020. [Google Scholar]
- Kleemann, D.O.; Walker, S.K. Fertility in South Australian commercial Merino flocks: Relationships between reproductive traits and environmental cues. Theriogenology 2005, 63, 2416–2433. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Yilmaz, M.; Altin, T.; Karaca, O.; Cemal, I.; Bardakcioglu, H.E.; Yilmaz, O.; Taskin, T. Effect of body condition score at mating on the reproductive performance of Kivircik sheep under an extensive production system. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 2011, 43, 1555–1560. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kenyon, P.R.; Maloney, S.K.; Blache, D. Review of sheep body condition score in relation to production characteristics. N. Z. J. Agric. Res. 2014, 57, 38–64. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Masters, D.G.; Ferguson, M.B. A review of the physiological changes associated with genetic improvement in clean fleece production. Small. Rumin. Res. 2019, 170, 62–73. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ferguson, M.B.; Adams, N.R.; Robertson, I.R.D. Implications of selection for meat and wool traits on maternal performance in Merinos. In Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, 23–26 September 2007; pp. 195–198. [Google Scholar]
- Greeff, J. Genetic trade-offs between lamb and wool production in Merino breeding programs. Ovine Obs. 2020. Available online: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au (accessed on 1 March 2021).
- Piper, L.R.; Swan, A.A.; Brewer, H.G. Is increased fleece weight associated with reduced reproduction rate? Results from long term multi-trait selection flocks. In Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, 23–26 September 2007; pp. 103–106. [Google Scholar]
- Piper, L.R.; Swan, A.A.; Brewer, H.G. Effects on lifetime reproductive performance of phenotypic selection for fleece weight, fiber diameter, body weight and related selection indexes. In Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Barossa Valley, South Australia, 28 September–1 October 2009; pp. 374–377. [Google Scholar]
- Piper, L.R.; Swan, A.A.; Brewer, H.G. Current flock effects on lifetime reproductive performance of simulated selection at hogget age in Merino sheep for fleece weight, fiber diameter, body weight and relevant selection indexes. III. High rainfall region results. In Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement in Animal Breeding Genetics, Napier, New Zealand, 20–23 October 2013; pp. 102–105. [Google Scholar]
- Ramos, Z.; Blair, H.T.; De Barbieri, I.; Ciappesoni, G.; Montossi, F.; Kenyon, P.R. Phenotypic Responses to Selection for Ultrafine Wool in Uruguayan Yearling Lambs. Agriculture 2021, 11, 179. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Berretta, E. Principales características climáticas y edáficas de la región de basalto en Uruguay. In Seminario de Actualización en Tecnologías Para Basalto; Berretta, E., Ed.; Serie Técnica INIA 102; Unidad de Comunicación y Transferencia de Tecnología: Montevideo, Uruguay, 1998; pp. 3–10. [Google Scholar]
- Información del CLIMA INIA Tacuarembó. Available online: http://www.inia.uy/gras/Clima/Banco-datos-agroclimatico (accessed on 19 July 2021).
- Bonino, J.; Casaretto, A. Principales patologías de los actuales sistemas de producción ovina del Uruguay. Una puesta al día. In Proceedings of the XL Jornadas Uruguayas de Buiatría, Paysandú, Uruguay, 14–16 June 2012; pp. 19–29. [Google Scholar]
- Ramos, Z.; Montossi, F. Alternativas tecnológicas para aumentar la supervivencia de corderos: Control Integrado de Parición en Ovinos. Rev. INIA 2014, 38, 11–15. [Google Scholar]
- Berretta, E.; Risso, D.; Montossi, F.; Pigurina, G. Campos in Uruguay. In Grassland Ecophysiology and Grazing Ecology; Lemaire, G., Hodgson, J., de Moraes, A., Nabinger, C., Carvalho, P.C., Eds.; CABI Publishing: Wallingford, UK, 2000; pp. 377–394. [Google Scholar]
- Shearing Training. Available online: http://www.shearingworld.com/training.htm (accessed on 1 July 2021).
- Jefferies, B.C. Condition scoring and its use in management. Tasm. J. Agric. 1961, 32, 19–21. [Google Scholar]
- Ramos, Z.; De Barbieri, I.; Van Lier, E.; Montossi, F. Body and wool growth of lambs grazing on native pastures can be improved with energy and protein supplementation. Small Rumin. Res. 2019, 171, 92–98. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Snyman, M.A.; Olivier, J.J.; Erasmus, G.J.; Van Wyk, J.B. Genetic parameter estimates for total weight of lamb weaned in Afrino and Merino sheep. Livest. Prod. Sci. 1997, 48, 111–116. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Duguma, G.; Schoeman, S.J.; Cloete, S.W.P.; Jordaan, G.F. Genetic and environmental parameters for ewe productivity in Merinos. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. 2002, 32, 154–159. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Cámara Mercantil de productos del País. Mercado Lanero; Montevideo, Uruguay, 2020; Available online: http://www.camaramercantil.com.uy/softis/documentos/dl/lanas/ (accessed on 1 April 2021).
- Montossi, F.; De Barbieri, I.; Ciappesoni, G.; Ravagnolo, O.; De Mattos, D.; Pérez Jones, J.; Grattarola, M.; Mederos, A.; Soares de Lima, M. Núcleo fundacional de Merino fino y superfino de la unidad experimental “GLENCOE”–INIA Uruguay: Una experiencia innovadora de mejoramiento genético asociativo y participativo. Agrociencia 2005, 9, 609–616. [Google Scholar]
- Pérez, V.; Bonner, M.; Montossi, F.; Ramos, Z.; Sacchero, D.; De Barbieri, I. Estudio de características vinculadas al procesamiento textil en lanas del Consorcio Regional de Innovación en Lanas Ultrafinas. Rev. Lab. Tecnológico Urug. 2017, 13, 58–65. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Swan, A.A.; Brown, D.J. The impact of measuring adult fleece traits with genomic selection on economic gain in Merino selection indexes. In Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Napier, New Zealand, 20–23 October 2013; pp. 233–236. [Google Scholar]
- Brown, D.J.; Swan, A.A.; Gill, J.S. Genetic correlations across ages for greasy fleece weight and fiber diameter in Merino sheep. In Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Napier, New Zealand, 20–23 October 2013; pp. 103–110. [Google Scholar]
- McGregor, B.A.; Butler, K.L. Coarser wool is not a necessary consequence of sheep aging: Allometric relationship between fiber diameter and fleece-free liveweight of Saxon Merino sheep. Animal 2016, 10, 2051–2060. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Shahinfar, S.; Kahn, L. Machine learning approaches for early prediction of adult wool growth and quality in Australian Merino sheep. Comput. Electron. Agric. 2018, 148, 72–81. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Nolan, E. The economic value of wool attributes phase 2. In A Report Prepared for Australian Wool Innovation; University of Sydney: Sydney, Australia, 2014; Available online: https://www.wool.com/globalassets/start/about-awi/publications/woolattributes.pdf (accessed on 19 September 2016).
- Manson, D.A.; Gallagher, J.R.; Hynd, P.I.; Pitchford, W.S. Repeatability of performance ranking and wool production characteristics of Merino ewes in a semiarid farming environment. In Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Madurah, Australia, 4–7 July 1999; pp. 94–97. [Google Scholar]
- Murray, W.K.; Mortimer, S.I.; Atkins, K.D.; Taylor, P.J.; Anderson, S.L. Style and production changes across ages in Merino sheep. In Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Queenstown, New Zealand, 30 July 2001; pp. 493–496. [Google Scholar]
- Hatcher, S.; Atkins, K.D.; Thornberry, K.J. Age changes in wool traits of Merino sheep in western NSW. In Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Queensland, Australia, 25–28 September 2005; pp. 314–317. [Google Scholar]
- Cloete, S.W.P.; Gilmour, A.R.; Olivier, J.J.; Van Wyk, J.B. Age trends in economically important traits of Merino ewes subjected to 10 years of divergent selection for multiple rearing ability. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. 2003, 33, 43–51. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Taylor, P.; Bird-Gardiner, T.; Mortimer, S.; Atkins, K. Selection Indexes Work for All Merino Strains and Breeding Objectives; Department of Primary Industry: Perth, Australia, 2007. Available online: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au (accessed on 1 October 2020).
- Adams, N.R.; Cronjé, P.B. A review of the biology linking fiber diameter with fleece weight, liveweight, and reproduction in Merino sheep. Aust. J. Agric. Res. 2003, 54, 1–10. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zhang, L.; Sun, F.; Jin, H.; Dalrymple, B.P.; Cao, Y.; Wei, T.; Vuocolo, T.; Zhang, M.; Piao, Q.; Ingham, A.B. A comparison of transcriptomic patterns measured in the skin of Chinese fine and coarse wool sheep breeds. Sci. Rep. 2017, 7, 1–12. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Huisman, A.E.; Brown, D.J. Genetic parameters for bodyweight, wool, and disease resistance and reproduction traits in Merino sheep. 4. Genetic relationships between and within wool traits. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2009, 49, 289–296. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Safari, E.; Fogarty, N.M.; Gilmour, A.R. A review of genetic parameter estimates for wool, growth, meat and reproduction traits in sheep. Livest. Prod. Sci. 2005, 92, 271–289. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Huisman, A.E.; Brown, D.J. Genetic parameters for bodyweight, wool, and disease resistance and reproduction traits in Merino sheep. 2. Genetic relationships between bodyweight traits and other traits. Aust. J. Exp. Agric. 2008, 48, 1186–1193. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Semakula, J.; Corner-Thomas, R.A.; Morris, S.T.; Blair, H.T.; Kenyon, P.R. The Effect of Age, Stage of the Annual Production Cycle and Pregnancy-Rank on the Relationship between Liveweight and Body Condition Score in Extensively Managed Romney Ewes. Animals 2020, 10, 784. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wuliji, T.; Dodds, K.G. Effect of fleece weight selection on reproduction, live weight and wool characteristics in mature Romney ewes. Small Rumin. Res. 2011, 97, 55–59. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Refshauge, G.; Hatcher, S.; Hinch, G.N.; Hopkins, D.L.; Nielsen, S. Fat depth, muscle depth, fat score and wool growth in Merino dams selected for high or low clean fleece weight and bodyweight. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2010, 50, 479–484. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lee, G.J.; Atkins, K.D. Consequences of reproduction on the liveweight, fat depth, wool growth, and intake of grazing Merino ewes in the short and long term. Aust. J. Exp. Agric. 1995, 35, 153–159. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Geenty, K.G. Lactation and lamb growth. In International Sheep and Wool Handbook; Cottle, D.J., Ed.; Nottingham University Press: Nottingham, UK, 2010; pp. 259–276. [Google Scholar]
- Hatfield, P.G.; Snowder, G.D.; Head, W.A., Jr.; Glimp, H.A.; Stobart, R.H.; Besser, T. Production by ewes rearing single or twin lambs: Effects of dietary crude protein percentage and supplemental zinc methionine. J. Anim. Sci. 1995, 73, 1227–1238. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Notter, D.R.; Burke, J.M.; Miller, J.E.; Morgan, J.L. Factors affecting susceptibility to gastrointestinal nematode parasites in periparturient Katahdin ewes and their lambs. In Proceedings of the XLI reunión de la asociación Mexicana para la producción animal y seguridad alimentaria AC (AMPA) and VII reunión nacional de sistemas agro y silvopastoriles, Mérida, Yucatán, México, 2–4 July 2014; pp. 19–27. [Google Scholar]
- Hocking Edwards, J.E.; Copping, K.J.; Thompson, A.N. Managing the nutrition of twin-bearing ewes during pregnancy using Lifetime wool recommendations increases production of twin lambs. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2011, 51, 813–820. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Thompson, A.N.; Ferguson, M.B.; Campbell, A.J.D.; Gordon, D.J.; Kearney, G.A.; Oldham, C.M.; Paganoni, B.L. Improving the nutrition of Merino ewes during pregnancy and lactation increases weaning weight and survival of progeny but does not affect their mature size. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2011, 51, 784–793. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Hill, J.R.; Thompson, J.A.; Perkins, N.R. Factors affecting pregnancy rates following laparoscopic insemination of 28,447 Merino ewes under commercial conditions: A survey. Theriogenology 1998, 49, 697–709. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Langford, G.A.; Marcus, G.J.; Hackett, A.J.; Ainsworth, L.; Wolynetz, M.S.; Peters, H.F. A comparison of fresh and frozen semen in the insemination of confined sheep. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 1979, 59, 685–691. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chalkling, D.; Dutra, D.; Platero, P.; Ramos, Z. Una mirada a Los Predios CRILU-FPTA. Décima Jornada de Distribución de Reproductores CRILU: Tacuarembó, Uruguay. Available online: http://www.inia.uy (accessed on 1 March 2021).
- Productor Sanducero Vendió Lana en El Lomo Con Finura 2017 de 16,5 Micras a U$S 15 El Kilo. Available online: www.eltelegrafo.com (accessed on 20 April 2021).
- De Barbieri, I.; Ciappesoni, G.; Ramos, Z.; Mederos, A.; Pérez Jones, J.; Donagaray, F.; Fros, A.; Dutra, F.; Grattarola, M.; Gimeno, D.; et al. Innovaciones institucionales en el complejo textil-lanero del Uruguay: Los casos del Proyecto Merino Fino y el Consorcio Regional de Innovación de Lanas Ultrafinas. In Proceedings of the Congreso de la Asociación Latinoamericana de Producción Animal, Puerto Varas, Chile, 13 November 2015; p. 764. [Google Scholar]
Traits | Mean | Min 1 | Max 2 | SD 3 | Animals | Records |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fiber diameter (FD, µm) | 16.6 | 12.1 | 22.1 | 1.7 | 2063 | 6988 |
Greasy fleece weight (GFW, kg) | 3.51 | 1.8 | 5.9 | 0.6 | 2052 | 7007 |
Coef. of variation of FD (CVfd, %) | 16.3 | 10.5 | 25.4 | 2.0 | 1952 | 6693 |
Staple length (SL, cm) | 8.7 | 4.5 | 13.5 | 1.3 | 1766 | 6507 |
Scoured yield (SY, %) | 80.0 | 55.5 | 90.4 | 3.9 | 1744 | 6477 |
Live weight at mating (LWM, kg) | 47.4 | 30.0 | 68.0 | 6.1 | 1850 | 6763 |
Live weight pre-lambing (LWL, kg) | 49.0 | 28.0 | 74.5 | 7.1 | 1801 | 6466 |
Live weight at weaning (LWW, kg) | 48.5 | 28.0 | 74.0 | 6.4 | 1306 | 4775 |
Body condition score at mating (BCSM) | 3.2 | 1.5 | 5.0 | 0.66 | 1839 | 6778 |
Body condition score pre-lambing (BCSL) | 3.1 | 1.5 | 5.0 | 0.61 | 1802 | 6490 |
Body condition score at weaning (BCSW) | 2.8 | 1.5 | 4.7 | 0.59 | 1292 | 4693 |
Total number of lambs weaned/ewe 4 | 2.4 | 0 | 12 | 1.9 | 1954 | 1954 |
Total lamb live weight at weaning/ewe 5 | 58 | 0 | 287 | 48 | 1954 | 1954 |
Period 1 | Year | Fiber Diameter (µm) | Greasy Fleece Weight (kg) | Live Weight at Mating (kg) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mean | SD 2 | N 3 | Mean | SD 2 | N 3 | Mean | SD 2 | N 3 | ||
FMP | 2001 | 19.1 | 1.3 | 125 | 3.4 | 0.4 | 124 | - | - | - |
2002 | 19.0 | 1.2 | 208 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 210 | 43.1 | 4.4 | 77 | |
2003 | 19.0 | 1.2 | 257 | 3.3 | 0.6 | 264 | 44.5 | 4.3 | 265 | |
2004 | 18.3 | 1.3 | 323 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 325 | 43.8 | 5.2 | 323 | |
2005 | 18.5 | 1.3 | 400 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 404 | 47.2 | 5.1 | 399 | |
2006 | 18.0 | 1.3 | 371 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 376 | 45.7 | 5.4 | 379 | |
2007 | 17.5 | 1.4 | 388 | 3.1 | 0.5 | 387 | 44.9 | 5.3 | 373 | |
2008 | 17.1 | 1.3 | 370 | 3.5 | 0.7 | 364 | 47.4 | 6.3 | 355 | |
2009 | 16.7 | 1.3 | 418 | 3.8 | 0.6 | 405 | 49.0 | 6.2 | 403 | |
2010 | 16.2 | 1.3 | 471 | 3.5 | 0.7 | 471 | 46.3 | 6.2 | 475 | |
CRILU | 2011 | 16.7 | 1.2 | 400 | 4.1 | 0.6 | 397 | 50.6 | 5.2 | 400 |
2012 | 16.0 | 1.1 | 386 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 403 | 49.7 | 5.1 | 391 | |
2013 | 15.6 | 1.1 | 385 | 3.6 | 0.5 | 388 | 46.6 | 5.5 | 377 | |
2014 | 15.2 | 1.1 | 325 | 3.0 | 0.4 | 328 | 44.9 | 5.2 | 354 | |
2015 | 15.0 | 1.1 | 343 | 3.2 | 0.5 | 343 | 45.6 | 6.1 | 350 | |
2016 | 15.2 | 1.0 | 339 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 340 | 46.3 | 6.3 | 342 | |
2017 | 15.6 | 1.1 | 314 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 311 | 48.5 | 5.8 | 324 | |
2018 | 15.7 | 1.1 | 364 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 361 | 49.5 | 5.6 | 369 | |
2019 | 15.7 | 1.1 | 384 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 385 | 52.3 | 5.6 | 386 | |
2020 | 15.5 | 1.1 | 417 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 421 | 49.4 | 6.0 | 421 |
Traits | Period 1 | SEM | Age (Years) | SEM | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FMP | CRILU | 2 | 3–6 | ≥7 | |||
Fiber diameter (FD, µm) | 18.1 a | 15.6 b | 0.03 | 16.2 c | 17.0 b | 17.4 a | 0.05 |
Greasy fleece weight (GFW, kg) | 3.4 b | 3.5 a | 0.01 | 3.5 a | 3.5 a | 3.1 b | 0.02 |
Coef. of variation of FD (CVfd, %) | 16.6 a | 16.1 b | 0.04 | 16.3 b | 16.2 b | 16.7 a | 0.07 |
Staple length (SL, cm) | 8.5 a | 8.3 b | 0.03 | 9.1 a | 8.7 b | 7.8 c | 0.04 |
Scoured yield (SY, %) | 79.4 a | 79.1 b | 0.08 | 80.3 a | 80.0 a | 77.1 b | 0.15 |
Time-Point | Period 1 | SEM | Pregnancy-Rank 2 | SEM | Age (Years) | SEM | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FMP | CRILU | 0 | 1 | ≥2 | 2 | 3–6 | ≥7 | ||||
Live weight | |||||||||||
At mating (LWM, kg) | 46.5 b | 48.6 a | 0.11 | - 3 | - | - | - | 44.4 c | 47.7 b | 50.6 a | 0.22 |
Pre-lambing (LWL, kg) | 47.9 b | 50.5 a | 0.11 | 46.2 c | 49.0 b | 52.5 a | 0.14 | 45.1 c | 50.3 b | 52.2 a | 0.14 |
At weaning (LWW, kg) | 48.7 b | 49.9 a | 0.17 | 52.5 a | 48.0 b | 47.4 c | 0.22 | 46.4 c | 50.3 b | 51.2 a | 0.21 |
Body condition score | |||||||||||
At mating (BCSM) | 3.6 a | 3.0 b | 0.01 | - 3 | - | - | - | 3.4 a | 3.3 b | 3.1 c | 0.01 |
Pre-lambing (BCSL) | 3.4 a | 2.9 b | 0.01 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 0.01 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 0.01 |
At weaning (BCSW) | 3.2 a | 2.8 b | 0.02 | 3.4 a | 2.8 b | 2.6 c | 0.02 | 3.0 a | 3.0 a | 2.8 b | 0.02 |
Lambing Opportunities 1 | Wool and Reproductive Traits | ||
---|---|---|---|
TWool 2 (kg) | TLW 3 (n) | TWW 4 (kg) | |
1 | 3.1 (0.10) | 0.7 (0.11) | 15.7 (2.68) |
2 | 6.8 (0.10) | 1.3 (0.11) | 31.2 (2.68) |
3 | 10.5 (0.10) | 2.1 (0.10) | 51.4 (2.43) |
4 | 14.5 (0.11) | 2.8 (0.10) | 68.2 (2.45) |
5 | 18.0 (0.13) | 3.9 (0.11) | 93.8 (2.6) |
6 | 21.7 (0.14) | 4.4 (0.11) | 108.9 (2.6) |
7 | 24.0 (0.21) | 5.5 (0.15) | 134.8 (3.73) |
8 | 27.0 (0.28) | 6.1 (0.20) | 153.0 (4.95) |
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. |
© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Ramos, Z.; Blair, H.T.; De Barbieri, I.; Ciappesoni, G.; Montossi, F.; Kenyon, P.R. Productivity and Reproductive Performance of Mixed-Age Ewes across 20 Years of Selection for Ultrafine Wool in Uruguay. Agriculture 2021, 11, 712. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11080712
Ramos Z, Blair HT, De Barbieri I, Ciappesoni G, Montossi F, Kenyon PR. Productivity and Reproductive Performance of Mixed-Age Ewes across 20 Years of Selection for Ultrafine Wool in Uruguay. Agriculture. 2021; 11(8):712. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11080712
Chicago/Turabian StyleRamos, Zully, Hugh Thomas Blair, Ignacio De Barbieri, Gabriel Ciappesoni, Fabio Montossi, and Paul Richard Kenyon. 2021. "Productivity and Reproductive Performance of Mixed-Age Ewes across 20 Years of Selection for Ultrafine Wool in Uruguay" Agriculture 11, no. 8: 712. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11080712