Determining the economic selection index for growth traits in the semi-concentrated rearing system of Merkhoz goats

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

Abstract

This research investigated different economic selection indices to increase body weight in Markhoz goat breed. Birth weight (BW) at different ages (birth, breastfeeding cessation, 6-month and 9-month) was categorized as several two- and three-trait selection indices. Genetic parameters were measured in MTGSAM using the Bayesian statistical method. Selection index analyzes were made in SelAction. The results of comparing three-trait indices showed the highest total economic gain resulting from I9 was US$4.86. The total economic response for two-trait I4 was US$3.94 which exceeded 5 others. The highest direct genetic gain from three-trait indices was predicted for 9-month weight in two I8 and I9 indices to be about 0.63 kg. In addition, the highest direct genetic improvement resulting from two-trait indices was also predicted for the 9-month weight in the I3 to be 0.66 kg. Moreover, the selection and performance criteria revealed decreased phenotypic variance, heritability, and genetic correlation of traits. These changes differed in alternative selection schemes influenced by the initial population parameters, selection intensity, direct or indirect selection, and the number of traits included in the selection index. In conclusion, to maximize the total economic gain, two selection indices I9 and I4 can be suggested for the current condition of the Markhoz goat population. However, to preserve the phenotypic/genetic variance of traits, it is necessary to focus on strategies such as selection intensity, economic coefficients, indirect selection, and increasing the number of traits in selection indices.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Iranian Journal of animal Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 November 2023

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 19 July 2023
  • Revise Date: 29 September 2023
  • Accept Date: 23 October 2023

Share

How to cite

Statistics