What is the expected heritability of 60-day weaning weight in sheep?

• A. High
• B. Moderate
• C. Low
• D. Very high

Answer: (B)

The expected heritability of 60-day weaning weight in sheep is considered to be moderate due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors that influence this trait. Heritability estimates reflect the proportion of phenotypic variation that is attributable to genetic variation among individuals in a population.

In livestock, growth traits such as weaning weight can be influenced by a combination of heredity and environmental conditions, including nutrition and management practices. While there is a significant genetic component to weaning weight, the moderate classification suggests that genetic selection can indeed make a noticeable impact, but it is also significantly affected by non-genetic factors.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of both breeding practices and environmental management when aiming to improve weaning weight in sheep populations, making a moderate heritability estimation a practical expectation in hereditary outcomes.