Evaluation of growth and carcasses performance of crossbred lambs from Kurdi mother cross with Kurdi, Baluchi and Karakul rams

Abstract

Introduction: Identifying the genetic capacity of native sheep ecotypes and using that in
crossbreeding for higher performance in Iran can be effective in increasing sheep profitability. The
use of appropriate paternal and maternal foundations in any breeding and interbreeding program is
an important and fundamental issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding
on pre- and post-weaning and carcass composition of purebred and crossbred lambs.
Materials & Methods: Thus, three genetical groups such as purebred Kurdi (KK), Baluchi×Kurdi
(BK) and Karakul×Kordi (GK) were used. Data were analyzed with GLM procedure using SAS 9.2.
Results: Results showed that Kordi ewes mated with Kurdi rams had the highest fertility percentage
(90%). GK crossbred lambs had the highest and BK crossbred lambs had the lowest birth weight
(4.89 vs. 4.15 kg, respectively). Dry matter intake of BK lambs (1360 g/d) and GK crossbred lambs
(1150 g/d). The highest daily gain weight was obtained in BK genetic group and the lowest in KK
genetic group was 202.6 and 164.8 g/day, respectively. The fattening lambs of GK had the highest
hot and cold carcasses weight and carcass efficiency (25.9, 25.2 and 59.8, respectively). The effect
of crossbreeding on fat thickness, tail and rump weight was significant and the BK lambs had the
lowest fat thickness (7.2) and the highest rump weight (3.2).
Conclusion: Based on the average performance before and after weaning as well as the appropriate
carcass characteristics in lambs obtained from Karakul rams, it seems that the use of Karakul rams
for the production of commercial crossbreed lambs is more appropriate.