Estimation of genetic correlations of two key feed efficiency traits with production traits in male Hu sheep

Increased body growth and feed efficiency are important for breeding due to expensive feed costs. This study estimated the genetic parameters for two feed efficiency traits [the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the residual feed intake (RFI)] and other important economic traits in male Hu sheep using 1642 male Hu lambs. The heritability of the RFI was estimated at 0.31 (+/- 0.10)-0.54 (+/- 0.1) and the heritability of the FCR was 0.05 (+/- 0.07)-0.77 (+/- 0.12). There was a negative genetic correlation between rib-eye muscle area traits and RFI. A positive genetic correlation was found between fat deposition traits and feed efficiency traits. The digestive tract weight decreased with the direction of RFI: however, the FCR showed the opposite: A low FCR was accompanied by a high digestive tract weight. The genetic correlation between feed efficiency (RFI and FCR) and rumen weight was negative. Heritability estimates for feed efficiency generate fluctuations with different experimental intervals. The weight of other traits should be reasonably allocated to avoid losses in production and feed efficiency in the selection of feed efficiency traits. The present study added to our understanding of the genetic parameters of sheep under the condition of house feeding.

Automated summary

This study estimated the genetic parameters for feed efficiency and other economic traits in male Hu sheep using 1642 lambs. The results showed genetic correlations between feed efficiency and rib-eye muscle area and fat deposition. A negative genetic correlation was found between feed efficiency and digestive tract weight, while a positive genetic correlation was found with rumen weight. The heritability of feed efficiency fluctuated with different experimental intervals.