1Postgraduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kattupakkam-603 203, Tamil Nadu
Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007, Tamil Nadu
*E-mail address: venkyvet@gmail.com
Online published on 18 September, 2018.
Growth performance of Madras Red sheep in farmers ’flocks was assessed using data accrued over 25 years (1993–2017) at the ICAR-Network Project on Sheep Improvement-Madras Red Field Unit, Kattupakkam (Tamil Nadu). The traits studied were weaning weight (WW), 6-months weight (6W), 9-months weight (9W) and 12-months weight (YW). General linear model was used to understand the effect of non-genetic factors viz., centre, season, sex and period. All the non-genetic factors included in the study had significant (P<0.01) influence on all the growth traits studied. The least-squares means for WW, 6W, 9W and YW were 10.05, 14.55, 18.39 and 21.46 kg, respectively. The results of this study based on a spatially and temporally large data set would help in suggesting suitable management interventions for the farmers.
Growth, Madras Red, Non-genetic factors, Sheep
