Using Suffolk sheep for improving lamb production from subtropical Egyptian sheep

Abstract

SUMMARYThe performance of Suffolk cross-bred ewe lambs produced either by Suffolk crossbred ewes, 70–90% Suffolk (HS), or by Ossimi ewes, 35–45% Suffolk (LS), was investigated. Forty-three ewe lambs from both groups were available, and were given two different levels of feeding.The LS ewe lambs showed, insignificantly, better growth performance than the HS group, and breed group differences increased with age. They also reached puberty earlier (305·4v.334·6 days for the HS ewe lambs). Using the HS breeding rams rather than the imported Suffolk ones, for improving lamb production from the local sheep flocks, is recommended.The LS ewe lambs started their first breeding season 18 days earlier, and ended 34 days later, than the HS ewe lambs. Both cross-bred groups showed clear anoestrous periods of 225·4 and 202·2 days, respectively. The onset of their second breeding season was similar, on average 29 August. These figures are close to those of the purebred Suffolk ewes, and far away from the nonseasonal local parents.