Split paternity is high in twins born from syndicate-mated Merino ewes

Bronwyn Clarke, K.L. Egerton-Warburton, J.L. Smith, B. Paganoni, G.B. Martin, A.N. Thompson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

Split paternity rates in multiple born lambs of syndicate-mated Merino flocks have previously not been reported, primarily due to the cost of genotyping. Pedigree data from litters born to genetically diverse syndicate mated ewes in three Merino Lifetime Productivity flocks across Australia were analysed to examine rates of split paternity, or heteropaternal superfecundation. Over three years at three sites, 1082 twin or triplet litters born, of which 577 were heteropaternal (53.3%). There was no effect of age of dam, year of birth, sire or maternal grandsire on split paternity rates. These high rates of split paternity confirm the need to genotype all progeny from multiple births to ensure accurate genetic evaluation.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics 24
Place of PublicationAustralia
PublisherThe Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics
Pages54-57
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Event24th Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics - Adelaide, Australia
Duration: 2 Nov 20214 Nov 2021

Conference

Conference24th Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics
Abbreviated titleAAABG 2021
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityAdelaide
Period2/11/214/11/21

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