Heritability estimates of wool follicle traits in sheep skin

Data were collected from 600 newborn lambs, offspring of 354 Western crossbred ewes and 26 rams, to determine heritability estimates as well as phenotypic and genetic correlations between wool follicle variables using histological techniques. Breed of sire and sire within breed were significant sources of variation in total and secondary wool follicle populations and secondary:primary (S:P) ratio. Heritability estimates calculated by regression of offspring on dam were slightly higher than by paternal half-sib correlation or regression of offspring on sire. Expressed as an average of the three methods of calculation, the heritability estimate for S:P ratio was highest (0·69), followed by estimates for secondary, total and primary wool follicles (0·52, 0·46 and 0·36, respectively). These estimates are similar to the heritabilities of fleece weight, staple length and fibre diameter. Selection for increased density, provided an accurate measure is used, is suggested as an effective means for increasing fleece weight within grade.