Comparative performance of Avikalin and Malpura sheep

In the present study, 640 records on Avikalin and Malpura lambs were utilized for evaluation of performance potential. The overall population mean for birth 3,6,9 and 12 month body weight were 2.94, 14.45, 21.41, 23.37 and 28.17 kg respectively. Overall least squares means for first and second six monthly greasy fleece yield (GFY) were 0.941 and 0.629 kg. respectively. Body weights from birth to yearling age were significantly (P<0.01) influenced by genetic group and sex of lamb. Year of birth significantly (P<0.01) affected all the body weights except 12 month body weight. Proportionate contribution of breed to the total variability ranged from 0.66 to 9.79 percent in body weights (birth to yearling age) whereas, its contribution in GFY was 45.53 percent. Effect of breed, sex of lamb and year of shearing was found to be significant on 1st and 2nd six monthly GFY. Avikalin strain was found to be superior to Malpura sheep in respect of growth performance as well as GFY. Avikalin exhibited 73.14 and 69.95 per cent superiority over Malpura contemporaries in 1st and 2nd GFY respectively. Results revealed that there is an ample scope to develop Avikalin as a dual type sheep for carpet wool and mutton production. It may, therefore, be inferred that in view of considerable potential, the breed(s) need to be further propagated and multiplied.