Exploratory analysis of factors affecting weaning weight of Dorper and Red Maasai lambs
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Date
2011Author
Yobera, Damaris
Audho, James
Aduda, Eric
Language
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This case study explores the patterns in relationships of various factors with weaning
weights of Red Maasai and Dorper lambs and their crosses, such as year of birth, sex, age
at weaning and age of dam. In particular, different formulations of the relationship between
age of dam and weaning weight are compared. Ways of subdividing the sums of squares in
an analysis of variance to evaluate alternative parameterisations of the statistical model are
described. Parameters describing the patterns with these various factors are then included
in a model to compare the weaning weights of the different genotypes when adjusted for
these factors. Finally, alternative forms of presentation of results from general least squares
analyses of variance are discussed.
This case study is part of a larger investigation to compare the performance of these
different genotypes when exposed to helminthiasis. Case Study 4 evaluates the genetic
components of variation associated with a lamb's dam or sire.