The effect of haemoglobin and potassium polymorphism on growth and wool production in Welsh mountain sheep

Abstract

A population of 1549 Welsh Mountain sheep, typed for haemoglobin and blood potassium concentration, were examined for correlations with production traits.The statistical analysis was carried out within years, to avoid seasonal effects, and constants were fitted for sire, parity of birth and sex, as well as for haemoglobin and potassium type.Few of the associations dependent on haemoglobin and potassium level reached significance at generally accepted levels of probability but an underlying consistency existed in mean values. Generally, animals of LK phenotypes showed marginally better neo-natal growth than HK phenotypes and animals possessing haemoglobin A had greater fleece-weights than those which did not.