Effects of genetic and environmental factors on pre-weaning and post-weaning growth in West African crossbred sheep |
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Authors: | K Benyi D Norris N Karbo K A Kgomo |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Animal Science, Mafikeng Campus, Northwest University, Mmabatho, South Africa;(2) Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa;(3) Department of Animal Production, Turfloop Campus, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa;(4) Animal Research Institute, Achimota, Ghana |
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Abstract: | Effects of genetic and environmental factors on pre-weaning and post-weaning growth were studied in West African crossbred
sheep. Effects of lamb genotype (7/8 Sahelian–1/8 Djallonké, 3/4 Sahelian–1/4 Djallonké and 1/2 Sahelian–1/2 Djallonké; hereafter
denoted 7/8Sa, 3/4Sa and 1/2Sa, respectively), parity, type of birth, sex of lamb and year-season of lambing on birth weight,
weaning weight, 8-month weight and pre- and post-weaning growth rates were determined. At birth 7/8Sa and 3/4Sa lambs were
heavier (p<0.01) than 1/2Sa lambs. Lambs born to first-parity ewes were lighter (p<0.01) at birth than lambs of older ewes. At weaning and 8 months of age, lambs born to fourth-parity ewes were heavier (p<0.05) than those born to ewes of the other parities. Parity did not have any significant effects on pre-weaning growth rate.
Lambs born in the rainy season of 2001 were significantly heavier at birth and at 8 months of age than those born in the dry
season of 2001/02, but there was no difference between the two groups at weaning. Pre-weaning growth rate was significantly
faster in lambs born in the dry season of 2001/02 but the reverse was true for post-weaning growth rate. |
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Keywords: | Sheep Growth Pre-weaning Post-weaning Genetic Environmental factors |
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