Asociación Latinoamericana de Producción Animal (ALPA)
Abstract
This study examined the present status and genetic progress achieved in the sheep population of Uruguay between the years 2001 and 2011. Annual genetic gains in the Corriedale, Polwarth, Merilin, Australian Merino, Romney Marsh, and Texel breeds were estimated. The number of breeding flocks evaluated annually increased from 11 to 86, and the number of animals recorded from 3 740 to 25 259. The following traits related to meat and wool production and quality were evaluated: greasy (PVS) and clean (PVL) fleece weight, mean fibre diameter (DPF), staple length (LM), liveweight at weaning (PVD), at shearing (PVE), and at ultrasound scanning (PVAOB); rib eye area (AOB); and backfat thickness (EG). The total number of rams evaluated for breeding value and/or Flock-Testing information would cover 45% of the annual demand for stud service of the national flock. The highest estimated annual gains by breed were: Corriedale, PVD (0.75%), PVE (0.54%), DPF (-0.48%), and PVL (0.41%); Polwarth, PVL (0.80%), PVS (0.72%), and PVE (0.52%); Merilin, PVD and PVE (0.58%); Merino, DPF (-0.64%), PVL (0.54%), and PVE (0.39%); Romney, PVS (1.08%), PVE (0.78%), and PVD (0.72%); and Texel, AOB (1.88%), PVAOB (1.75%), and PVD (1.11%)
