Factors affecting performance traits in Kashmir Merino sheep

Data on 462 ewe lambs pertaining to developed Kashmir Merino sheep by crossing Gaddi, Bhakarwal, Poonchi, Rambouillet and Merino over the six years (20052010) at Sheep Farm, Hardushiva, Sopore, Kashmir, J & K state were studied. Sheep development programmes for bringing about genetic improvement in the quality and quantity of carpet wool through selection within the indian breeds, and for fine wool through crossbreeding with exotic breeds viz., Rambouillet and/or Merino have been undertaken during the last four decades. The average birth weight 2.82 kg, weaning weight 13.31 kg, age at first service 14.74 months, age at first lambing 19.74 months, greasy fleece weight 1.40 kg, staple length 5.22 cm and fiber diameter 20.95 μ. The highest CV percent was observed for staple length where as the lowest CV was for age at first service. The effect of year of lambing had found no significant effect on all the traits under present study. The effect of season of lambing was found significant on weaning weight and staple length, birth weight and fiber diameter shows decreasing and increasing trends respectively over the season of lambing.