Estimation of heritabilities and correlations between repeated faecal egg count measurements in lambs facing natural nematode parasite challenge, using a random regression model

The development of the genetic control of nematode resistance in growing lambs is of biological interest. as well as being important in terms of designing practical strategies to breed for increased nematode resistance. The current paper demonstrates the use of random regression techniques for quantifying the development of the heritability of faecal egg count (Fee), the indicator of nematode resistance, in growing lambs and predicted inter-age genetic and phenotypic correlations for Fee. Fee data from 732 lambs, collected at 4-week intervals from e. 8-24 weeks of age, were analysed using random regression techniques. Random effects fitted in the model included genetic, individual animal environmental, litter and residual random effects. Output (co)variance components were interpolated to weekly time points. Individual variance components showed complex patterns of change over time; however, the estimated heritability increased smoothly with age, from 0.10 to 0.38, and showed more stable time trends than were obtained from univariate analyses of Fee at individual time points. Inter-age correlations decreased as the time interval between measurements increased. Genetic correlations were always positive, with 0.6 of all possible inter-age correlations being greater than 0.80. Phenotypic correlations were lower, and decreased more quickly as the time interval between measurements increased. The results presented confirm biological understanding of the development of immunity to nematode infections in growing lambs. Additionally, they provide a tool to determine optimal sampling ages when assessing lambs' relative resistance to nematode infections.