Growth and reproductive performance of Badorlin (Bali-Bali x Dorset-Malin ) sheep under semi-intensive production system

F.M. Abdullah and M.Y. Mohd. Khusahry

Abstract

First generation Badorlin (Bali-Bali x Dorset-Malin or BDL) sheep were interse mated to produce F2 and F3 generations to select superior breeding stock for the production of selected rams for dissemination to sheep farmers. A total of 465 records for lambs born in the year 1995–1998 were used in the analysis of growth performance while a total of 130 records for ewe lambs born in the year 1994–1996 were used in the analysis of reproductive traits. The birth weight and weaning weight were significantly influenced by sex of lambs (p <0.01), birth types (p <0.0001) and year of birth (p <0.0001). The birth weight between generations of lambs was similar. However, the weaning weight of F1 lambs was significantly heavier than F2 lambs. The weights at 180, 270 and 360 days were significantly influenced by sex of lambs (p <0.0001) and year of birth (p <0.0001). The mean birth weight, weights at 90, 180, 270 and 360 days of F1 generation were 2.8, 12.8, 17.8, 23.8, 28.5 kg, respectively, F2 generation were 2.7, 12.0, 17.3, 23.4, 28.0 kg, respectively and F3 generation were 2.6, 12.0, 17.2, 23.7, 28.3 kg, respectively. The age of ewe at first lambing, interval between 1st and 2nd lambing, litter size (1st and 2nd parity) and ewe productivity index were similar between generations of ewe. However, an ewe year of birth had significant influenced on age at first lambing (p <0.01) and lambing interval (p <0.05). Generally, the differences due to year of birth of ewe were because of variation in the quality and quantity of pastures and concentrates supplementation. The mean age at 1st lambing, interval between lambing, ewe productivity index and litter size of BDL F1 were 17.8 months, 8.7 months, 15.9 kg/year and 1.10, respectively and BDL F2 were 18.7 months, 9.5 months, 14.3 kg/year and 1.11, respectively.

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