Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-v9fdk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-02T23:57:37.594Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Effects of different husbandry systems on milk production of purebred and crossbred sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

A. P. Mavrogenis  and
A. Louca
A. P. Mavrogenis
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
A. Louca
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
Get access

Abstract

The effects of different husbandry systems on production characters of 616 purebred and crossbred sheep are reported. The Cyprus Fat-tailed (L), Chios (C) and Awassi (A) breeds were evaluated under intensive, semi-intensive and extensive production systems. The performance of crossbred (C × L, A × L and A × C) Cyprus Fat-tailed and Awassi sheep was compared under extensive husbandry conditions. Ewes on the intensive systems produced more milk, fat and protein (P<0·01), but with somewhat lower fat and protein content than those on the extensive or semi-intensive systems. Chios and Awassi ewes were superior to Cyprus Fat-tailed ewes in nearly all traits (P<0·1), but inferior in terms of fat and protein content (P<0·1). Awassi × Chios crossbreds outyielded both purebred and crossbred sheep in terms of milk, fat and protein yield (P<0·1). Lactation number had a significant effect on milk traits. Maximum milk production was obtained at fourth lactation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 31 , Issue 2 , October 1980 , pp. 171 - 176
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1980

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Agricultural Research Institute, 1971, A. Rep. Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nicosia, Cyprus.Google Scholar
Carter, R. C., Carman, G. M., McClaugherty, F. S. and Haydon, P. S. 1971. Genotype-environment interaction in sheep. I. Ewe productivity. J. Anim. Sci. 33: 556–562.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Donald, H. P., Read, J. L. and Russell, W. S. 1963. Heterosis in crossbred hill sheep. Anim. Prod. 5: 289–299.Google Scholar
Griffing, B. and Zsiros, E. 1971. Heterosis associated with genotype environment interactions. Genetics, Princeton 68: 443–451.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Harvey, W. R. 1975. Least squares analysis of data with unequal subclass numbers. U.S. Dep. Agric., ARS H-4.Google Scholar
Hohenboken, W., Corum, Kathleen and Bogart, R. 1976. Genetic, environmental and interaction effects in sheep. I. Reproduction and lamb production per ewe. J. Anim. Sci. 42: 299–306.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hohenboken, W. D., Kennick, W. H. and Bogart, R. 1976. Genetic, environmental and interaction effects in sheep. II. Lamb growth and carcass merit. J. Anim. Sci. 42: 307–316.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
King, J. W. B. and Young, G. B. 1955. A study of three breeds of sheep wintered in four environments. J. agric. Sci., Camb. 45: 331–338.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Knight, R. 1973. The relation between hybrid vigour and genotype-environment interactions. Theor. appl. Genet. 43: 311–317.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Louca, A. 1972. The effect of suckling regime on growth rate and lactation performance of the Cyprus Fat-tailed and. Chios sheep. Anim. Prod. 15: 53–59.Google Scholar
Louca, A., Mavrogenis, A. and Lawlor, M. J. 1974. Effects of plane of nutrition in late pregnancy on lamb birth weight and milk yield in early lactation of Chios and Awassi sheep. Anim. Prod. 19: 341–349.Google Scholar
National Research Council. 1975. Nutrient Requirements of Domestic Animals. No. 5, Nutrient Requirements of Sheep. 5th ed.National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
Sidwell, G. M., Everson, D. O. and Terrill, C. E. 1964. Lamb weights in some pure breeds and crosses. J. Anim. Sci. 23: 105–110.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sonmez, R. and Wassmuth, R. 1964. Investigations on the possibilities of improving milk production by breeding in Awasi (Ivesi), Sakiz (Chios) and Kivircik sheep in Turkey. Anim. Breed. Abstr. 32: 335 (Abstr.).Google Scholar
Wiener, G. 1975. Crossbreeding studies with sheep at the Animal Breeding Research Organisation, Edinburgh. Anim. Breed. Abstr. 43: 209 (Abstr.).Google Scholar