1Omer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Ayhan Sahenk Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Department of Animal Production and Technologies, 51240, Nigde, Turkey
2Osmangazi University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, 26160, Eskisehir, Turkey
3Ahi Evran University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, 40100, Kirsehir, Turkey
4Ahi Evran University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, 40100, Kirsehir, Turkey
5Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, 55139, Samsun, Turkey
Omer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Ayhan Sahenk Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Department of Animal Production and Technologies, 51240, Nigde, Turkey
*Corresponding author's e-mail: ugur.sen@omu.edu.tr
Online published on 17 September, 2018.
This investigation was conducted to estimate the breeding values and genetic trends for body weight (BW), scanning fat depth (SFD) and scanning muscle depth (SMD) of Karayaka lambs (n= 1059) at 140 ± 3.36 day of age. Experiments were conducted in a nucleus flock of Karayaka sheep under a selective breeding program to increase productivity at research farm of Gaziosmanpasa University between the years 2006–2011. Breeding values were estimatedwith ASREMLsoftware. While genetic trend for BW and SMD showed a smooth ascending trend, SFD exhibited a descending trend throughout the experimental period. The genetic trend for BW, SFD and SMD of Karayaka lambs were observed as 0.433 kg/year, 0.00686 mm/year and 0.00786 mm/year, respectively. The results showed that applying of a selection program on BW, SMD and SFD characteristics would increase BW and SMD values and decrease SFD value in Karayaka lambs.
Breeding value, Genetic trend, Karayaka, Lamb
