Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 55 No. 5, 2024.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.55.5.10
Breeding season and body condition influence on zootechnical parameters of Ouled Djellal ewes in semi-arid areas
Mourad Taherti
; Laboratory of Local Natural Resources, Faculty of Natural and Life sciences, Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef, Chlef, Algeria
Nassima Ait Isad
; Animal Health and Production Laboratory (SPA), Higher National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, El Harrach, Algeria
Nora Mimoune
orcid.org/0000-0002-0900-3908
; Animal Health and Production Laboratory (SPA), Higher National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, El Harrach, Algeria
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
In this study, a database was created by monitoring 3000 Ouled Djellal ewes, belonging to ten breeding farms and representing two modes of reproduction management. The data collected make it possible to measure the reproductive performance of females and to determine the influence of non-genetic factors on different parameters. The Body Condition Score (BCS) was calculated to compare performance in relation with breeding conditions. The results showed that fertility and prolificacy accounted for 91.1±0.1% and 116.4±0.2% in the reproduction mode respectively based on one lambing/year with exclusive spring control, and of 53.5±0.2% and 101.2±0.1% respectively in the traditional lambing system spread over
the year (with the ram permanently present in the flock) (P<0.05). The BCS varied according to mating season and feeding system. Indeed, as the BCS at mating increased, fertility, prolificacy and productivity improved. Ewes whose BCS at mating was equal to or greater than 3 obtained the best performance, while those with a lower BCS were less fertile, less prolific, and less productive. The average productivity of Ouled Djellal sheep was 107.0±0.1%, and 54.8±0.3%, respectively, in the first and second mode of reproduction management (P<0.05). This study highlights the main sources of variations and their interactions.
Keywords
local sheep; breeding system; performance; semi-arid climate
Hrčak ID:
313957
URI
Publication date:
9.2.2024.
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