Determination of fertility traits of sheep and growth characteristics of Chios crossbred male lambs reared under local breeder conditions

This study was conducted to determine the fertility of Chios x Kivircik and Chios x Cine Capari crossbreed sheep (94 ewes) and the growth characteristics and liveability values of crossbred lambs (62 male kids) under local breeder conditions. The birth and lamb rate and litter size values of Chios x Kivircik ewes and Chios x Cine Capari ewes were detected as 93%, 1.21 and 1.29; 93%, 1.12 and 1.20. respectively. The liveability traits of crossbred lamb for each genotype on the 120th day of age were 81.06% and 84.00%, respectively. The average live weights on birth and 120th day of age were detected as 3.97 kg and 26.89 kg; 3.86 kg and 25.86 kg, respectively. For the same periods, the average of body measurements such as height at withers, rump height, body length and chest girth were detected as 38.08 cm, 38.27 cm, 35.79 cm and 37.76 cm; 59.67 cm, 59.61 cm, 57.18 cm and 74.71 cm respectively for Chios x Kivircik lambs and also determined as 37.18 cm, 37.49 cm, 35.36 cm and 36.59 cm; 59.44 cm, 59.30 cm, 56.68 cm and 74.43 cm, respectively for Chios x Cine Capari lambs. While flocks had an statistically significant effect in generally on all growth periods, except birth; differences between genotypes were statistically significant for the last two measurement periods. It was thought that the animals having higher production levels and also adaptability could be reared in the region with suitable management, breeding and crossbreding systems.