Crossing system application and its effect on lambs growth traits

Abstract

Success of crossing depends on the breeds used and the genetic distance among them, as well the combining ability of maternal and individual heterosis to make the proper choice of breeds employed in a crossing system. The aim of this study is to find the effect of genotype and crossing system on early weights and daily gain of lambs. The lambs of purebred Pirot Pramenka ( P) got the lowest body weight at birth, at 30 days, at 60 days and 90 days with a value of 3.65 kg, 9.48 kg, 14.99 kg and 21.96 kg while purebred Wurttemberg attained the highest body weight at birth of 4.48 kg. The lambs of three bred crossing (PxWxF) highest on BW30, BW60 and BW90 days. The results showed a highly significant difference on average daily gain (ADG) among genotypes (P<0.01) except on the difference between W - PxW of which belongs to the lower border of significant level (P<0.05). The highest difference on ADG was between P - PxWxF (105.950 g), wherein the lowest difference was between W-PxW (9.290 g). It can close that the attained value between pure bred Wurttemberg (W) and two-bred crossing (PxW) was almost equal. Genotype and crossing system have significant effect on body weight and average daily gain of lambs. Based on the results obtained, it shows an advantage effect of crossing system (PxWxF) when it comes on growth and daily gain of lambs.

Keywords

• crossing system
• body weight
• growth traits
• daily gain
• lamb