Investigation of Some Fertility and Growth Traits of Akkaraman Sheep under Breeder Condition in Altunhisar District of Niğde Province

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine some reproductive and growth characteristics and was to analyses some environmental factors the growth and survival performance of lambs between 2017 and 2020 reared within the framework of the National Small Ruminant Project in Altunhisar district of Nigde. The data of the study were collected from 24000 heads ewes and 24869 male and female lambs raised in 25 different farms. The average of infertility, fertility, fecundity, litter size, single and twining rates of Akkaraman ewes were found to be 7.90, 92.10, 1.04, 1.13, 87.49 and 12.51%, respectively. The effects of year of birth, type of birth, age of dam and gender on birth, 60th day and 120th day live weights of Akkaraman lambs were found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). It was also determined that the effect of type of lambing, gender, year of birth and dams age on the survival of lambs at 60th and 120th days was significant (P<0.01). The average survival rate of lambs at 60th and 120th day was 96.2 and 95.3.%, respectively. As a result, it was concluded that while the reproductive characteristics of Akkaraman ewes were in accordance with the literature reports, the effects of the environmental factors on the live weights and survival of lambs were significant and these factors were partially affected by slower growth.

Keywords

• sheep
• birth weights
• reproductive traits
• survivability
• survival rate