Summary
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.
|