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Potential Genotypes for Morada Nova Sheep in Northeastern Brazil¹

Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria (EMBRAPA), Sobral, Brazil and Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station 77843

Abstract

A total of 27 combinations of genetic potentials of ewes for mature size (WMA; 30, 40 and 50 kg of body weight), milk production (GMLKL; 1.125, 1.500, and 1.875 kg of milk/day at the peak day of lactation) and ovulation rate (OVR; 1.65, 2.20, 2.75 ova per ovulation) were simulated. The current genotype was assumed to be 40 WMA, 1.15 GMLKL and 2.2 OVR. Results showed that annual efficiency of meat production for flocks in northeastern Brazil (total live weight sold: total weight of dry matter consumed) increased when genetic potentials for OVR and GMLKL were raised from base, but decreased with increased genetic potential for mature size. The most efficient genotype was a 40 WMA, 1.50 GMLKL and 2.75 OVR, followed closely by the genotypes 40 WMA, 1.125 GMLKL and 2.75 OVR, and 30 WMA, 1.5 GMLKL and 2.75 OVR. Genotypes with 50 WMA were not present in the 11 genotypes ranked above the base genotype.

¹ This research was supported in part by the Small Ruminant Collaborative Research Support Program, USAID Grant No. AID/DSAN/XII-G-0049.

² EMPRAPA-CNPC, Sobral, CE. 62100, Brazil.

³ Anim. Sci. Dept.

⁴ Texas A&M Univ. Agric. Res. and Ext. Center at San Angelo, 76901.