Heritability estimates were obtained by using a unitrait derivative-free animal model REML programme. Estimates of heritability for curl type (h ² = 0.46) and pattern score (h ² = 0.27) followed expectations as derived from literature. The estimate for hair quality score (h² = 0.14) was, however, lower than expected. An unexpected negative correlation (r = -0.37) was obtained between pattern score and hair quality score as estimated by simple correlation of individual predicted breeding values (PBVs) between traits. Environmental trends were influenced by changes in the system of score allocation to the subjectively evaluated traits, which possibly indicate the sensitivity of the procedure. A positive genetic trend was evident for both pattern score (b = 0.011 ± 0.002) and hair quality score (b = 0.013 ± 0.001).

Keywords: Animal model, fur traits, genetic parameters, Karakul, trends