Genetic parameters and factors affecting some weight traits in Al-Ghab buffaloes

Abstract

This study was conducted to estimate the genetic parameters of some weight traits such as the birth weight, weaning weight and pre-weaning daily weight gain, in addition to determine the effects of some genetic and environmental influences in Al-Ghab buffaloes herd kept at Buffaloes Development and Breeding Station in Shatha - Al-Ghab city. The data were extracted from the station records covering the period from 2000 - 2022, and were analyzed using Harvey (1992) statistical packages. The analysis of variance showed that the sex and period-season of birth had a significant effect on all studied traits, and the parity number was significantly affected the birth weight and pre-weaning daily weight gain, while the sire had only significant influence on the birth weight trait. The overall mean of birth weight, weaning weight, and pre-weaning daily weight gain estimated as 33.7 ± 4.8 kg, 83.4 ± 3.5 kg, and 514 ± 69 g, respectively.

The heritability estimates for the studied traits were very low, 0.043 ± 0.019 for birth weight, 0.013 ± 0.012 for weaning weight, and 0.14 ± 0.12 for pre-weaning daily weight gain, as a result of high inbreeding in this herd. The genetic correlation between the birth weight, weaning weight, and pre-weaning daily weight gain and between weaning weight and daily weight gain before weaning was 0.77 ± 0.44, -0.81 ± 0.74, and -0.66 ± 0.24, respectively, while the phenotypic correlation between these traits, in the same order, was estimated at 0.12. -0.73, and 0.58.