Analysis of Non-genetic Factors Influencing Main Traits in High Quality Merino Sheep

The influence of main non-genetic factors on 13 traits for shearing and wool quality in high quality Merino Sheep under the natural ecological conditions of Xinjiang were studied useing the GLM procedure of SAS8.2 Significantinfluences of birth years and sex on almost all traits were found. Birth type significantly affected comformation grade, staple length, length uniformity grade, total fleece grade and greasy weight of 13 traits. Age of dam had apparent influences on crimpness grade, comformation grade and live weight after shearing. When estimating genetic parameters and predicting breeding value, the factors which had apparent influences on traits could have been used as fixed effects.