Relationships among productive characters of Merino sheep in north-western Queensland 2. Estimates of genetic parameters, with particular reference to selection for wool weight and crimp frequency

Abstract

Estimates of heritability and genetic correlations among 10 fleece characters were obtained from a flock of Merino sheep at Toorak Field Station, Julia Creek.
Crimp frequency and fibre diameter had the highest heritability (0 · 57 in each case). The heritability of clean wool weight was estimated at 0 · 34. This character was highly correlated (negatively) with crimp frequency.
Assuming that the price of wool increases by approximately 3 per cent. for an increase of one crimp per inch, selection based solely on clean wool weight is recommended.