An earlier heritability study on the Kerr Wildlife Management utilized antler characteristics of 150 penned deer. Our objective was to estimate heritability for antler characters involving measurements and pedigree records recorded for all bucks born from 1986 through 1994 in the closed deer herd at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area. Information gained from this investigation will further understanding of heritabilities. The results of this study will aid in selective breeding management of penned deer, compare heritability estimates generated by differing statistical techniques, and use Kerr Area data to determine breeding values and environmental correlations. A total of 45 sires and 127 dams were involved.
Analyses are currently in progress.
Funding was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.