Factors Affecting Weight Gain in Magra Sheep under Arid Condition of Rajasthan

The data for the Present investigation were analyzed from records (1999–2008) of Magra Sheep research flock maintained with CSWRI, ARC, Bikaner. Records of 1638 Magra lambs for growth performance was analyzed to assess the impact genetic group, period of birth, sex and parity. T he overall least-squares means were observed for average daily gain in body weight during 0–3, 3–6, 6–12 and 0–12 months of age were estimated as 124.20 ± 1.135, 78.88 ± 1.792, 32.99 ± 0.895 and 68.52 ± 0.745 gm/day, respectively. Effect of sire, period and sex were found highly significant on weight gain. The parity had significant effect on average daily gain in body weight during 0–3 and 3–6 but non-significant during 6–12 and 0–12. Regression of dam's weight at lambing had highly significant effect except average daily gain 3–6 months of age.