FACE COLOR EFFECT ON GROWTH RATE OF LIBYAN BARBARY LAMBS | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences | ||
| Article 10, Volume 5, Issue 1, April 2010, Pages 1-12 PDF (242.38 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejsgs.2010.27083 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Ahtash, A.1; Hermas, S.1; Azaga, I.2; Kurdi , A.3 | ||
| 1Anim.Prod.Dep./ Agric.Fac. – Al-Fateh Univ. | ||
| 2Anim.Prod.Dep./ Agric.Fac. – Sabha Univ. | ||
| 3Sheep Station / Agric.Fac. – Al-Fateh Univ. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| ABSTRACT The Libyan Barbary sheep Dynasty marked to bear range harsh conditions such as severe lack of rain in some seasons and the high temperature and therefore its ability to improve productivity in good environmental conditions. The Libyan Barbary sheep generally have a white body colour with white or black built or patches on the head and legs. This study aimed to assess the possible effect of face colour on growth rate of Libyan Barbary sheep towards developing improved lines of Barbary sheep according to face colour. The study included also the effect of some other factors such as year, sex , birth type and age of mother on growth characteristics . This study was carried out at Bir El Ghanam Research Station located 80 km southwest of Tripoli. The breeding system in this station extend according to range availability and presence of rain , where sheep grazed during morning and return by the end of the day. Animals fed on concentrate feed (14% protein) and barley or wheat straw pasture during the summer months. Growth rate records for lambs born during the seasons 2002 and 2003 were used as a base to divide according to face colour. Results show the overall means of birth weight (3.66 kg) and weaning weight (31.48 kg). Statistical analysis revealed non significant influence of face colour on birth weight of lambs during all seasons, while its effect on weaning weights of lambs was significant. Lambs which was addressed to black face colour had the heavier weight . The factors year ,sex and type of birth have significant effects on birth weight, weaning weights and weights before and after weaning, where differences varied from year to year. Male lambs were heavier than female Lambs and single lambs was heavier than the twins. Therefore, it is worth wise to suggest using face-colour as a base to select lines specialized in the production of meat. The results of this study stressed the significance of remaining non-genetic factors like sex, type and year of birth. | ||
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