Genetic progress evaluation of growth traits in Raeeni chashmere goat

For genetic progress evaluation of growth traits, the pedigree information of 12140 Raeini Cashmere goats in Raeini Chashmere goats breeding station from 1990 to 2010 were used. Investigated traits were included birth weight, weaning weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 1 year weight. Variance components and genetic parameters of each trait was estimated by restricted maximum likelihood and six animal models using Wombat software. Direct heritability of birth weight, weaning weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 1 year weight were 0.24, 0.29, 0.33, 0.35 and 0.37 respectively. Breeding values of animals for each trait was estimated using univariate animal model. Phenotypic, genetic and environmental trends of traits were estimated via regression of phenotypic value, breeding value and difference of breeding value from phenotypic value on the year of birth. Genetic trend of birth weight, weaning weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 1 year weight were estimated 16.71, 85.83, 105.16, 123.67 and 122.53 gr/year respectively (p<0.01). The genetic gain of traits including birth weight, weaning weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 1year weight were estimated 0.483, 0.561, 1.767, 1.647 and 1.465 Kg respectively. Regarding to positive genetic trends estimated for growth traits for Raeini goats, the livestock selection program, based on the breeding value in this breed, seems to lead to a good genetic improvement and this strategy should continue.