Three breeds of fat-tailed sheep: productive performance in Arabian Gulf region

Fat-tailed sheep breeds of hot arid Arabian Gulf region are preferred as they produce lean meats. The study compares the performance of Naeemi, Arabi and Nejdi breeds (937 ewes and 749 lambs) born in Kuwait. Average lambing rates for 6 years in Naeemi, Nejdi and Arabi ewes were 84.7±5.4, 84.4±9.7 and 74.8±9.0%, respectively. Naeemi produced significantly (P<0.05) more wool than Arabi and Nejdi. Birth weight of Naeemi, Nejdi and Arabi lambs were 4.3±0.2, 4.3±0.3 and 4.5±0.3 kg, respectively; corresponding weaning weights were 24.6±1.8, 25.1±1.5 and 23.2±2.2 kg, respectively; differences were not significant. Birth to weaning daily gain (221.0± 41.7 to 231.0±13.8 g), water intake, heart and respiratory rates also did not differ significantly. Dressed fat-tail of Arabi lamb was significantly (P<0.05) heavier than other two breeds. Weaned grazing lambs had highest preference for forbs and grass. Naeemi performed significantly (P<0.05) better in feedlots and rangeland conditions and is therefore, recommended for mutton production.