Production performance of Malpura sheep in an organised farm in Rajasthan

Growth traits are the early observable measurements and are helpful in lamb selection. Data collected during six years on birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 month body weights of respective 1004, 791, 794, 662, 511 Malpura lambs respectively maintained at Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar farm were utilized for performance evaluation. The overall least squares means were 2.88, 11.57, 18.50, 21.74 and 25.61 kg for birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 month, respectively. The overall averages for first six monthly greasy fleece yield (GFY), adult six monthly GFY and adult annual GFY were 0.578, 0.469 and 0.991 kg, respectively. Year, season and sex were found significant for all the traits studied. The results revealed that Malpura sheep has the genetic potential for increased mutton production, which needs selective breeding and effective management system.