Determining the economic selection index for growth traits in the semi-intensive rearing system of Merkhoz goats Economic selection indices in the traditional goat breeding system

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

The aim of this research was to study different economic selection indices to increase body weight in Markhoz goat breed. Body weight (BW) at different ages (birth, weaning, 6-month and 9-month) were categorized as several two- and three-traits selection indices. Genetic parameters were estimated with MTGSAM using the Bayesian statistical method. Selection index analyzes were done using SelAction software. The results of comparing three-trait indices showed that highest total economic gain resuled from I9 which was US$4.86. The total economic response for two-trait index belonged to I4 which was US$3.94 and higher than 5 others. The highest direct genetic gain from three-trait indices was predicted for 9-month weight in 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 decrease in phenotypic variance, heritability, and genetic correlation of traits. These changes differed in alternative selection schemes, which 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

Extended Abstract

Introduction

     Markhoz goat is one of important goat breeds in Iran. This research aimed to investigate different economic selection indices for improving growth and body weight in this endangered goat breed in a traditional breeding system.

 

Materials and methods

    Birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6-month weight (6 MW) and 9-month weight (9 MW) were included in several selection indices of two and three-trait indices to increase body weight. The responses to the selection for these traits using economic coefficients of 0.1, 3.00, 5.66, and 1.50 respectively were predicted. Furthermore, the magnitude of the Bulmer effect resulting from different selection indices were investigated. An equal number of male and female animals in three age classes were used in all studied selection indices. Therefore, the average generation interval and proportion of male to female in all selection indices were 2.224 and 1 to 6, respectively.

 

Results and Discussion

    As a result of selection, genetic gain, the total economic gain, and the changes in population parameters such as phenotypic variance, genetic correlations, and traits heritability were different in various selection indices. The results of the comparison of three-trait indices showed that the highest total economic gain resuled from I9 which was US$4.86. Also, the total economic response for two-trait I4 was predicted as 3.94 dollars which were more than 5 other two-trait indices. The highest predicted direct genetic gain resulted from three-trait indices was belonged to 9-month weight in I8 and I9 indices which was about 0.63 kg. Moreover, the economic gain resulting from this genetic improvement in the mentioned indices was measured as 43 and 55% of the total economic gains from I8 and I9 respectively. 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, which accounted for 99% of the total economic gain in that selection index.   Moreover, the selection and performance criteria revealed decrease in phenotypic variance, heritability, and genetic correlation of traits. These changes were different in alternative selection schemes because they can be influenced by the initial population parameters, the selection intensity for each trait, direct or indirect selections, and the number of included traits in each selection index.

 

Conclusion

    In conclusion, to maximize the total economic gain, two selection indices I9 and I4 can be suggested in the current condition of the Markhoz goat population. But in order to preserve the phenotypic/genetic variance of traits, in this endangered breed, it is necessary to pay more attention to strategies such as selection intensity, economic coefficients of traits, indirect selection, and maybe increasing the number of traits in selection indices.

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Iranian Journal of animal Science
Volume 55, Issue 2
June 2024
Pages 349-366

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History

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

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