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Effects of Some Environmental Factors on Yearling Traits of Columbia and Targhee Ewes

United States Department of Agriculture¹

Abstract

The effects of age of dam, type of birth, year of birth, age at shearing and percent inbreeding on staple length, grease fleece weight, body weight, type, condition, face covering and neck folds were studied on 406 Columbia and 290 Targhee yearling ewes at the U. S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, Idaho. The ewes were born during the years 1941 to 1944.

The effect of the environmental factors was greatest on fleece weight and body weight and least on face covering and neck folds. Year of birth was the most important environmental source of variation followed by type of birth, age at shearing, and percent inbreeding. Age of dam was the least important source of variation of Columbia and Targhee yearling traits.

Single ewes had heavier bodies and fleeces, longer staple and better type and condition than twins. Daughters of mature dams had heavier fleeces and bodies than those of 2-year-old dams. Fleece and body weights, staple length, type and condition improved with age at shearing and became poorer with inbreeding.

¹ U. S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, Idaho.