Selection Indices for Improvement of Body Weight and Mohair Yield under the Traditional Low-Input Production System of Local Markhoz Goat in Iran

Subject Areas :

F. Hosseinzadeh Shirzeyli ¹ , S. Joezy-Shekalgorabi ² , M. Aminafschar ³ , M. Razmkabir ⁴

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Received: 2023-10-03 Accepted : 2024-09-01 Published : 2024-09-24

Keywords: genetic evaluation, Markhoz goat, meat, mohair selection index,

Abstract :

This research aimed to evaluate alternative selection schemes through their expected selection responses and the Bulmer parameters in the Markhoz goat breed. To select the best-ranked animals the body weights at birth, weaning, 6 months, 9 months, yearling, and mohair production records were assessed to compare the selection responses using SelAction 2.2. The average economic gain of the 3-trait indices was higher than the 2-trait indices. In this regard, the use of two selection indices of I7 (3-traits) and I4 (2-traits) pro-moted simultaneous improvement in both meat and mohair productions and can be proposed for application in this population. Artificial selection through several selection schemes has reduced population parameters in the current population of Markhoz goats. The magnitude of reduction in phenotypic variance and herita-bility was greater in traits that have been directly selected (included in index) and traits that had a higher economic coefficient in the index. Considering the present conditions, provided the optimal possible selec-tion response, genetic improvement, and economic gain to improve both mohair and meat production. Al-though, the use of these indices depends on the determination of objectives and of the measurement facility of selection criteria.

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