genetic investigation of various growth models to describe growth of lambs of two contrasting breeds

• Published in: Journal of animal science Vol. 84; no. 10; pp. 2642 - 2654
• Main Authors: Lambe, N.R, Navajas, E.A, Simm, G, Bünger, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Savoy, IL American Society of Animal Science 01.10.2006; Am Soc Animal Sci
• Subjects: Age Factors; animal growth; Animal productions; Animals; artificial selection; Biological and medical sciences; body weight; Body Weight - physiology; breed differences; Breeding; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; genetic correlation; growth models; heritability; lambs; Least-Squares Analysis; Likelihood Functions; liveweight gain; Logistic Models; Male; mathematical models; Models, Biological; Models, Genetic; Nonlinear Dynamics; Phenotype; Regression Analysis; Scottish Blackface; selection criteria; Sheep - genetics; Sheep - growth & development; Terrestrial animal productions; Texel; Time Factors; Vertebrates; Farming animal; genetic parameter; Growth; random regression; Lamb; Vertebrata; growth function; Meat animals; Mammalia; Sheep; Genetics; Models; Artiodactyla; Ungulata

This study compared the use of various models to describe growth in lambs of 2 contrasting breeds from birth to slaughter. Live BW records (n = 7559) from 240 Texel and 231 Scottish Blackface (SBF) lambs weighed at 2-wk intervals were modeled. Biologically relevant variables were estimated for each...