Reproductive parameters of primiparous Awassi sheep and mortality rates of their lambs in steppe climates

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate reproductive parameters, birth weight, weaning weight and survival rates of primiparousAwassi sheep, done by hand-mated, which were transferred from Ceylanpınar Agricultural Enterprise to İlciÇiçekdağı Agricultural Enterprise where the climate is colder than Ceylanpınar, has arid and hot climate conditions, also to check their adaptation and productivity in colder climates.The reproductive data was obtained from 985 primiparousAwassi yearling lambs, done controlled mating with 35 rams. The birth weight of newborn lambs was recorded and then the study was terminated with calculating weaning weight of the lambs.Estrousandlambing rate, litter sizewere calculated as 96.45%, 90.55%, 1.09 respectively. Twinning rate was found as 9.08%. Even though stillbirths were 0.12% for single lambs and 3.09% for twin lambs; mortality rate of lambs until weaning was found as 22.57% for single lambs and 20.57% for twin lambs. Lamb birth and weaning weights were determined as 4.75 and 29.52 kg for single lambs; 3.82 and 28.80 kg for twin lambs; 4.19 and 28.44 kg for females; 4.38 and 29.88 kg for males. Reproductive parameters of Awassi sheep raised in the unusual climate conditions such as rainy and cold weatherwere not affected as much as expected. Satisfactory results were obtained from the study regarding to reproductive parameters in different climates despite some management problems affecting lamb mortality rate. Genotypes and preservation of Awassi population in Ceylanpınar Agricultural Enterprise are said to be really in good conditions.