The Indian Journal of Small Ruminants
Year : 1995, Volume : 1, Issue : 1
First page : ( 22) Last page : ( 25)
Print ISSN : 0971-9857.

Factors affecting age and weight at first breeding and first lambing in Malpura ewes

Arora A.L., Swarnkar C.P.

Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar Via: Jaipur (Rajasthan), 304501.

Abstract

The data on 478 service records and 374 lambing records of Malpura ewes were subjected to least-squres analysis. The data were taken from Mutton Project stationed at Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute Avikanagar and extended over a period of 9 years from 1985–1993. The over all least-squres means for age at first service, weight at first service, age at first lambing, weight at first lambing and lambing interval were 649.42±12.99 days, 27.73±0.20 kg, 810.79±14.32 days, 28.09±0.30 kg and 372.58±5.15 days respectively. All these traits (except lambing interval) were significantly influenced by year of service. Season significantly affected the age at first service and weight at first lambing. Its effect at other traits (viz. weight at first service, age at first lambing and lambing interval) was, however, non-significant. The maximum variation was attributed by year of service (R²=2.12–19.15%) whereas season had relatively less contribution to variation in the traits included in the present study.

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