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Effects of genetic and environmental factors on pre-weaning and post-weaning growth in West African crossbred sheep

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Abstract

Effects of genetic and environmental factors on pre-weaning and post-weaning growth were studied in West African crossbred sheep. Effects of lamb genotype (7/8 Sahelian–1/8 Djallonké, 3/4 Sahelian–1/4 Djallonké and 1/2 Sahelian–1/2 Djallonké; hereafter denoted 7/8Sa, 3/4Sa and 1/2Sa, respectively), parity, type of birth, sex of lamb and year-season of lambing on birth weight, weaning weight, 8-month weight and pre- and post-weaning growth rates were determined. At birth 7/8Sa and 3/4Sa lambs were heavier (p < 0.01) than 1/2Sa lambs. Lambs born to first-parity ewes were lighter (p < 0.01) at birth than lambs of older ewes. At weaning and 8 months of age, lambs born to fourth-parity ewes were heavier (p < 0.05) than those born to ewes of the other parities. Parity did not have any significant effects on pre-weaning growth rate. Lambs born in the rainy season of 2001 were significantly heavier at birth and at 8 months of age than those born in the dry season of 2001/02, but there was no difference between the two groups at weaning. Pre-weaning growth rate was significantly faster in lambs born in the dry season of 2001/02 but the reverse was true for post-weaning growth rate.

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Abbreviations

D:

pure Djallonké

1/2Sa:

1/2 Sahelian–1/2 Djallonké

3/4Sa:

3/4 Sahelian–1/4 Djallonké

7/8Sa:

7/8 Sahelian–1/8 Djallonké

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science, Mafikeng Campus, Northwest University, Mmabatho, South Africa

    K. Benyi, D. Norris, N. Karbo & K. A. Kgomo

  2. Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa

    K. Benyi

  3. Department of Animal Production, Turfloop Campus, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa

    D. Norris

  4. Animal Research Institute, Achimota, Ghana

    N. Karbo

Authors
  1. K. Benyi
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  2. D. Norris
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  3. N. Karbo
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  4. K. A. Kgomo
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Correspondence to D. Norris.

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Benyi, K., Norris, D., Karbo, N. et al. Effects of genetic and environmental factors on pre-weaning and post-weaning growth in West African crossbred sheep. Trop Anim Health Prod 38, 547–554 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-006-4416-2

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