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Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2005 | Volume: 8 | Issue: 11 | Page No.: 1499-1502
DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2005.1499.1502
Reproductive Performance of Kivircik Ewes on Accelerated Lambing Management
Mehmet Koyuncu

Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of accelerated lambing scheme of three lambing in two years. Ewes were bred at 8 month intervals; July (J), March (M) and November (N). Lambing rates for J, M and N were found 89.6, 90.5 and 92.2%, respectively. Litter size at birth in J (1.56) and M (1.54) differed (p<0.01) with respect to N (1.31). Lamb survival at weaning in J (94.7%) was higher (p<0.05) than M (90.4%) and N (91.3%). Weaning rate was affected (p<0.01) by breeding date; N-ewes had fever lambs weaned than J and M-ewes. In general, both prolificacy and weaning rate were consistently higher (p<0.05) as ewe`s age increased. This accelerated lambing scheme generated a ewe productivity, on an annual basis, of 1.33±0.07 lambing, a litter size of 1.77±0.22 at birth and 1.66±0.21 at weaning. Considering the July values as those representing an annual breeding, the accelerated lambing scheme increased lamb production 15% at birth and 19% at weaning. The results indicated that Kivircik ewes have a good potential for production systems requiring improved prolificacy or accelerated lambing management.

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How to cite this article
Mehmet Koyuncu , 2005. Reproductive Performance of Kivircik Ewes on Accelerated Lambing Management. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 8: 1499-1502.

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