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Crossbreeding of Iranian Fat-Tailed Sheep: Lamb Performance of Karakul, Mehraban and Naeini Breeds¹

Pahlavi University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Birth weights, weaning weights (75 days of age) and preweaning daily gains of 335 lambs and feedlot daily gains, feed conversions and market weights (175 days) of 155 ram lambs obtained from straightbreds and two-breed crosses of three fat-tailed Iranian breeds of sheep were studied. The breeds were Karakul, Mehraban and Naeini.

Breed of sire and the interaction between breeds of sire and breed of dam were not significant for any of the traits. No significant differences were found between straightbred and crossbred lambs. For weaning weight and daily gain from birth to weaning, four of six crosses showed positive heterosis; for birth weight, feedlot daily gain and market weight three of six exhibited heterosis; and for feed conversion two of six crosses showed some degree of positive heterosis.

Breed of dam had a significant effect on all traits. Karakul ewes were best for birth weight and feed conversion; whereas Mehraban ewes were best for maternal influence on the other traits.

¹ Supported by Pahlavi University Agricultural Research Center.