On-farm evaluation of growth and reproductive performances of Washera and Gumuz sheep in northwestern Ethiopia: Basics for setting up breeding objectives/goals

Abstract

Growth and reproductive performance traits are traits of economic importance for sheep selection and productivity improvement interventions. This study aimed at comparative evaluation of growth and reproductive performance traits of sheep in the highland and lowland agro-ecologies of northwestern Ethiopia. Data on growth performance traits were collected from 144 Washera (78 males and 66 females) lambs and 72 Gumuz (37 males and 35 females) lambs. Data on reproductive performance traits were collected from 260 Washera (130 rams and 130 ewes) sheep and 150 Gumuz (75 rams and 75 ewes) sheep. General linear model univariate procedure was employed to analyze the collected data. Breed, the interaction effect between breed and season of birth as well as the interaction effect between breed and type of birth all exerted very high significant effect (P<0.001) on live weight at all age groups. Breed type affected pre-weaning average daily weight gain significantly (P<0.01). Pre-weaning average daily weight gain of Washera (70 g/day) was found much better performance than 60 g/day of Gumuz. Breed type exerts significant (P<0.05) effect on age at first lambing, lambing interval, annual reproductive rate and number of lambs born per ewe life time. Average age at first lambing and lambing interval of Washera sheep were 11.69 months and 9.27 months, respectively. The corresponding values for Gumuz sheep were 12.51 months and 10.43 months, respectively. Production and reproduction performance values of traits varied across the two breeds and sexes as well. These values can be used to set up breeding objectives or goals for selective breeding of sheep giving special emphasis to growth traits believed to have medium heritability values.

Productive and reproductive performance of Dawuro highland sheep managed under community-based breeding program in Ethiopia

“…With these huge resources and because of various other reasons, sheep production has advantageous compared to other livestock production. However, production was in traditional way with high lamb mortality [ 2 ]. Therefore, an integrated attempt with emphasis on genetic improvement is crucial for improving animal output by improving growth and reproductive traits [ 3 ].…”

“…As indicated by [ 2 – 5 ], CBBPs are being implemented in various communities in Ethiopia intended to increase sheep productive and reproductive performances. Evaluation of reproductive and productive performance for the native indigenous sheep population is essential for conservatory considerations [ 6 ], to test the efficiency of applied CBBP [ 7 ] and to provide breeder, researcher and policy maker with information to develop more efficient selection program in the future [ 4 , 7 ].…”

Comparison of different animal models for estimating genetic parameters for early growth traits and reproductive traits in Tianmu Sainuo sheep

“…In recent years, the study of sheep growth and reproductive traits has intensified, as these factors significantly influence farm profitability (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). Animal growth varies over time, displaying a pattern of steady increase, although growth rates differ among individuals.…”