Abstract
Growth is one of the traits of great economic importance in sheep production. Estimates of genetic and environmental parameters of different component traits related to growth are needed for developing a proper selection program. Sex, type of birth and rearing, age of dam, year and season of birth are among the environmental factors that have been reported to affect traits related to growth (Sidwell, Everson and Terrill, 1963; Smith and Lidvall, 1964; Brown, Bangus and Sabin, 1961; Acharya, 1962). The effects of these important environmental factors must be considered in the estimation of genetic parameters. The different strains of Bikaneri sheep now distinguished as separate breeds, e.g., Nali, Magra, Malpura et cetera, are common in the Northern part of India. They are maintained primarily for producing carpet type wool. These breeds will have to be used in this part of the sub-continent for mutton and lamb production. No pertinent information is available on growth rate of Bikaneri sheep. Copyright © 1970. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1970 by American Society of Animal Science