Some Reproductive Traits and Lambs Growth Performance of Akkaraman Sheep Raised in Niğde Province

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v7i10.1509-1514.2249

Keywords:

Akkaraman, Birth weight, Weaning weight, Litter size, Improvement

Abstract

In this study, growth performance of Akkaraman lambs and some fertility parameters of Akkaraman sheep raised in semi extensive farm conditions were investigated. A total of 6300 heads Akkaraman ewes (6000 ewes and 300 rams) housed in 34 farms located in central villages of Niğde province were evaluated between 2012 and 2016. The data of birth weight of 30161 lambs, body weight of 29517 lambs aged 90 days old and some fertility parameters of 30000 heads ewes were used. The average lambing rate of ewes was found 90.1%. The twining rate of ewes was 20.8%; the average litter size was 1.12 lambs. Birth weights of Akkaraman sheep lambs was 4.23 kg, average 90th day live weights were 23.05 kg. Effects of year, birth type, dam age, and sex were found statistically significant on birth and 90-day live weights of the Akkaraman lambs. As a result, it was concluded that the fertility of Akkaraman sheep and growth characteristics of lambs raised by public under semi-extensive conditions could be improved and the economic situation of sheep farms could be better by the implementation such improvement project.

Author Biographies

Ahmet Şekeroğlu, Department of Animal Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, 51240 Merkez/Niğde

Animal Sci

Mustafa Duman, Bor Vocational School, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, 51700 Bor/Niğde

Animal Sci.

Published

12.10.2019

How to Cite

Ceyhan, A., Şekeroğlu, A., & Duman, M. (2019). Some Reproductive Traits and Lambs Growth Performance of Akkaraman Sheep Raised in Niğde Province. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 7(10), 1509–1514. https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v7i10.1509-1514.2249

Issue

Section

Research Paper