George M. Sidwell

Effects of some environmental factors on yearling traits of Columbia and Targhee ewes.

S ELECTION of breeding ewes is often complicated by environmental factors which tend to obscure genetic merit. Correction or adjustment for measurable effects of environmental factors may increase the effectivehess of selection for meat and wool production. These corrections will also be useful in many experimental studies where it is desirable to minimize the complication of environmental effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of age of dam, type of birth, year of birth, age at shearing, and inbreeding on yearling traits of Columbia and Targhee ewes. The traits studied were staple length, grease fleece weight, body weight, body type, condition (degree of fatness), face covering and neck folds. Breed differences in these traits were also observed. Data and Methods