Factors affecting greasy fleece yield in Rambouillet sheep

Abstract

Greasy wool yield in sheep is an important trait governed by genetic and environmental factors during preand postnatal life. A study was therefore, undertaken to study the wool yield and some environmental factors affecting it in Rambouillet sheep. The data spread over three years (2018 to 2020) pertaining to Rambouillet sheep maintained at Government Sheep Breeding Farm Balnoi was analyzed by least squares and maximum likelihood computer program, PC-2 version (Harvey, 1990). The least square mean of 1.77±0.01 kg for greasy fleece yield (GFY) in Rambouillet sheep was observed. All the factors non-genetic (age, sex and year) included in the model influenced GFY significantly (P<0.01) in the present study. Highest wool yield was observed in the animal in 5 years of age with variable decline thereafter. Therefore, it is concluded that environmental in particular age and sex are significant source of variation for wool yield in Rambouillet sheep.