Genetic parameters for growth and reproductive traits in Santa Inês sheep

Although Santa Inês sheep demonstrate good adaptation to tropical environments, there is a need for effective breeding programs focused on growth and reproductive traits to harness the breed's full developmental potential. Thus, this study aimed to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for weight at birth (WB), weight at 60 days (W60), age at first lambing (AFL), first lambing interval (FLI), and average lambing interval (AFI) in Santa Inês sheep. The data were obtained from the Sergipe Goat and Sheep Breeders' Association (ASCCO). (Co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated by Bayesian analysis based on a bitrait model with Gibbs sampling using Multiple-Trait Gibbs Sampler for Animal Models (MTGSAM) software. Heritability estimates (h2) for WB, W60, AFL, ALI, and FLI were 0.11, 0.18, 0.028, 0.25, and 0.30, respectively. Positive correlations were observed between WB and W60, AFL and ALI, and AFL and FLI (0.31, 0.17, and 0.18, respectively). By contrast, negative correlations were obtained for WB and AFL (−0.55), WB and AFL (−0.42), WB and FLI (−0.39), W60 and ALI (−0.26), and W60 and FLI (−0.37), with magnitudes ranging from low to moderate. Correlation values for ALI and FLI and W60 and AFL were positive and strong (0.97 and 0.98, respectively). These results indicate that the studied traits can be used for indirect selection. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of determining genetic parameters when formulating strategies for the genetic improvement of Santa Inês sheep. •The economic efficiency of animal farming is significantly influenced by the productive and reproductive traits.•Few studies evaluate age first lambing and lambing intervals due to difficulty in correct measurements.•Few estimates of genetics parameters of reproductive traits for sheep exist in Brazil.•There are few studies that evaluate productive and reproductive traits simultaneously.•The Bayesian method, although little used, allows for more accurate estimates of the genetic parameters.