Determination of Economic Values for Some Important Traits in Zel Sheep of Golestan

In this study a bio-economic model was used for a flock with 195 breeding ewes and 20 rams to determine economic values of important traits in Zel sheep of Golestan including litter size, pre-weaning survival, post-weaning survival, ewe survival, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, ewe mature weight, dressing percentage, conception rate and wool weight. In this model, fixed environment was assumed and herd profit was estimated from difference between costs and revenues. Relative economic values of the traits were estimated based on wool weight. The highest economic value was found for litter size with relative economic value of 139.82. After litter size, the most important relative economic values were 3.81 and 3.66 for ewe survival and dressing percentage, respectively. Economic values of all traits were positive except for birth weight (-0.98). Sensitivity analysis of economic values were carried out for 20% increase and decrease in price levels of input (concentrate, forage) and output (meat, wool) system. Economic values of all traits except for birth weight and wool weight were changed by changing the price of meat. The economic values of ewe mature weight, dressing percentage and wool weight did not change with change in price of concentrate and forage. Sheep farming system can increase in profits by increasing in the amount and value of product. As the highest economic values were found for amount and value of the products especially amount of products, in order to increase system profit it is better to select for these traits in a breeding