Genetic parameters for live weight and velvet antler production of farmed Red Deer (Cervus elaphus): A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) at Lincoln University

Abstract

Genetic parameters for live weight and velvet antler production in red deer were estimated using two data sources. One contained performance records of 194 progeny of ten red deer stags of European and English Park origin used in a progeny test. The second data set contained performance and pedigree records of 1989 commercially farmed red deer by 68 sires and was used to investigate more thoroughly fixed effects of year, sex and age of dam influencing weaning and yearling weights and to estimate genetic parameters for these traits. Heritability estimates obtained from analysis of the progeny test data were 0.92 (0.37), 0.16 (0.17) and 0.04 (0.13) for weaning, yearling and 15 month weights respectively. Velvet antler traits heritability estimates were 1.04 (0.48), 0.55 (0.40), 1.02 (0.48), for two year old velvet weight, grade and value and 0.67 (0.48), 0.50 (0.45), 0.67 (0.48) for three year old velvet weight, grade and velvet. Estimated heritability of weaning weight obtained from analysis of the second data set was 0.80 (0.07), while yearling weight heritability estimated from 270 records was 0.70 (0.17). Genetic and phenotypic correlations between live weight traits were similar to values for sheep and cattle in both studies. Results are discussed in relation to estimation techniques and practical application to breeding programs.