Influence of selected factors on growth performance of Suffolk lambs and their crossbreds

Abstract

The monitoring was performed in one year period in selected population of Suffolk sheep (SF, n = 257) and their crossbreds with Merinolandschaf (SF × ML, n = 87). Total of 627 lambs (SF, n = 463; SF × ML, n = 164) were observed in breeding conditions of two semi-extensive flocks. Lambs’ live weight at 100 days of age (LW100); musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MLLT100) depth and backfat thickness (BT100) at the same age were assessed. Effects of breed, ewes’ live weight at mating, litter size, sex of lambs and ewe’s age as linear regression were evaluated using SAS 9.1. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in LW100, MLLT100 and BT100 between SF and SF × ML were observed. All the evaluated traits of growth performance were also influenced (P < 0.05) by ewes’ live weight at mating. The highest lambs’ growth performance traits were detected in lambs of ewes with highest live weight at mating (group of ≥ 80.7 kg). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among singles, twins and triplets lambs as well. Significantly higher LW100 was marked in ram lambs compared to ewe lambs (P < 0.05).

Keywords

• backfat thickness
• musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis depth
• sheep
• ultrasound measurements