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A note on some factors influencing post-weaning performance of purebred and crossbred lambs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

A. P. Mavrogenis  and
A. Louca
A. P. Mavrogenis
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
A. Louca
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Abstract

Live weights at weaning, and 10, 15 and 20 weeks of age, and postweaning gains of 738 lambs (390 males and 348 females) obtained from purebred and crossbred lambs were studied. The main breeds involved were the Cyprus fat-tailed, Chios and Awassi. Male lambswere heavier (P< 0·01) and grew faster (P< 0·01) than female lambs. Singles were heavier (P< 0·01) than other multiples at all ages, which probably reflects differences in initial weight, since no differences were found in growth rate. Crossbred lambs were heavier at 20 weeks of age and had a faster growth rate than purebred lambs. Ewe lactation number significantly affected lamb weaning weights, the heaviest lambs being those from 3- to 5-year-old dams (third and fourth lactation).

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 29 , Issue 3 , December 1979 , pp. 415 - 418
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1979

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References

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