Litter Size Trait as a Selection Criterion in Merino Crossbred Rams

ABSTRACT Litter size is a reproductive trait of economic importance in small ruminants. This study was carried out to investigate litter size (LS) as a selection criterion in Merino rams using Estimated Breeding Value (EBV). Hence, the heritability (h2) value was estimated with paternal halfshib correlation model through analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. A total of 650 records of LS were used in this study, representing in the progeny of fourteen (14) rams collected from year 1999 to 2004 at Cimanglid Research Park, Bogor, Indonesia. This study showed that the average of LS in sheep samples was 1.34±0.51 with h2 value of 0.04±0.06 (low). However, six Merino rams (43%) had positive of EBV value. Moreover, the data records of LS from each observed ram were sufficient for evaluation and signed by a moderate relative accuracy (RA) value ranged from 0.27 to 0.71. It can be concluded that selection of Merino rams can be performed based on LS using EBV.