Journal of Applied Animal Research

  • Year: 2009
  • Volume: 36
  • Issue: 2

Pelibuey Ewe Productivity and Subsequent Pre-weaning Lamb Performance Using Hair-sheep Breeds Under a Confinement System

  • Author:
  • U. Macías-Cruza, F.D. Álvarez-Valenzuelaa, A. Correa-Calderóna, L. Molina-Ramírezb, A. González-Reynac, S. Soto-Navarrod, L. Avendaño-Reyesa,
  • Total Page Count: 6
  • DOI:
  • Page Number: 255 to 260

aInstituto de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Blvd. Delta s/n, Ejido Nuevo León, Baja California, México, 21705.

bCentro de Bachillerato Tecnológico Agropecuario No. 41, Poblado Benito Juárez, Valle de Mexicali, Baja California, México, 21900.

c Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria de Agronomía y Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, México, 87149.

dDepartment of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003.

* For correspondence: Tel: (686)52300-88; Fax: (686)523302-17; E-mail: lar62@hotmail.com

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hair sheep sires on reproductive performance of Pelibuey ewes and to compare pre-weaning growth traits of their offspring. Forty-three Pelibuey ewes were randomly distributed in 3 groups to be mated by 3 breed sires (Dorper, Dr; Katahdin, Ka and Pelibuey, Pb). Fertility, fecundity and prolificacy were similar (P>0.05) among the three breed sires. In ewes mated to Dr, gestation length was 1.8 and 3.3 d shorter (P<0.01) than those mated to Ka or Pb sires, respectively. Birth weight, weaning weight and average daily gain up to weaning were higher among single born Ka lambs. Weaning litter weight per ewe lambing was greater (P<0.04) in ewes mated to Dr and Ka sires. In conclusion, Pelibuey ewes under a confinement system crossed with Dr or Ka sires improved their reproductive efficiency; moreover, pre-weaning traits of their lambs were also improved.

Keywords

Sheep, Katahdin, Pelibuey, Dorper, cross breeding, pre-weaning performance