Performance of F1 Primiparous German Black-headed Mutton x Turcana Crossbred Ewes under Extensive Management Conditions

Abstract

Aim of the current research was to evaluate the effects that crossbreeding Romanian indigenous Turcana (TA) ewes with German Black-faced Mutton (GBM) rams have on the body weight and reproduction performances of primiparous F1 GBM x TA descendants under extensive management conditions, when put to ram as ewe lambs or as yearlings. The study was initiated in a commercial farm from Timis County, western Romania, and starting autumn 2009. At the age of 8 months, F1 crossbred female lambs registered on average 37.6 kg, while averages og 32.2 kg were achieved by the TA females from the control group (CG), differences between the two genotypes were significant (p<0.001). When put to ram as ewe-lambs at the age of 8 months, F1 crossbreds registered a average fertility rate of 84.0%, compared with 29.4% the females from the CG, differences registered between the two groups were significant (p<0.01). Data registered in the current study proven that the F1 crossbreds are significantly more precocious compared to purebred TA, reared under identical conditions. When put to ram at the age of 18 months, F1crossbred glimmers registered an average prolificacy of 140.0%, compared to 111.7% the females from the CG. GBM sired females grow faster, achieve higher body weights, are more precocious and more prolific compared with purebred TA females of the same age.

Keywords

• german blackhead mutton
• turcana
• crossbred ewes
• reproduction performance
• growth rates