Variability and inheritance of behavior in fine-wool sheep. II. Character of inheritance of domesticated behavior and correlation of behavior with productivity traits in fine-wool sheep
Stakan, G.A.; Martynova, V.N.; Soskin, A.A.; Chernov, L.L.
Genetika 12(11): 35-43
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-6758 PMID: 1010321 Document Number: 99372
The results of an experimental study of the inheritance of individual behaviour in various types of crosses are presented; the phenotypic and genetic correlations between the behavior and producutivity characters in sheep and the possibility of applying behaviour characteristics to the selection process of fine-wool sheep are analysed. It is shown that the progeny from crosses between parents with the same type of behaviour inherits mainly the type of behaviour of their parents and that, in general, the inheritance has a polygenic character. A genetic relation between the type of domestic behaviour and the productive characters of fine-wool sheep is established. The genetic correlation coefficient between the behaviour and the wool productivity is 0,57, and that between the behaviour and the live weight is 0,53. It is concluded that the inheritance component contributes to the formation of the type of domestic behaviour of fine-wool sheep. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between the type of behaviour and the main productivity characters are discussed. The posibility of using behaviour characteristics as a character under selection is considered.