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Texas A & M University, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, San Angelo, 76901
Abstract
An analysis of time trends for performance of rams involved in a central test station over a 28-year period are reported. Complete data were available on 3,984 rams of which 3,622 were Rambouillet. Test procedures are briefly outlined. The traits studied included rate of gain, grease and clean wool production, yield, staple length, fiber diameter and scores for face cover and skin folds. A selection index has been utilized since 1962 and has been retrospectively applied to the data to 1950. Significant progress has been realized in all the traits for the overall population and for five of six individual flocks which have participated in the test for most of the 28-year period. Rate of gain and wool production have improved, and the fleece has tended to become longer, higher yielding and finer during this period of time. Marked reductions have occurred in the amount of wool in the face and wrinkles on the body for the overall population as well as the six individual flocks.
1 Over the years a large number of people including both sheep breeders and professional people have participated in this project and their contribution is recognized without attempting a listing of names.
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  G. D. Snowder and L. D. Van Vleck Effect of duration of performance test on variance component estimates for lamb growth rate J Anim Sci, August 1, 2002; 80(8): 2078 - 2084. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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