Abstract

MELLADO, Jesús et al. Effects of non-genetic factors on pre-weaning growth traits in Dorper sheep managed intensively in central Mexico. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2016, vol.3, n.8, pp.229-235. ISSN 2007-901X.

The objective of this study was to determine the non-genetic factors which affect growth traits in Dorper lambs under intensive conditions. Nine hundred and ninety birth weight records and 851 weaning weight data from a commercial sheep farm were used. A model containing the effects of year of birth, season of birth, litter size, dams' age and gender was used for identification of factors affecting growth traits. Birth weight was highest (p < 0.05) in summer and lowest in winter and spring. Male lambs excelled females in birth weight, weaning weight, and average daily gain. Young dams produced offspring with a lower (p < 0.05) birth weight and weaning weight than older ewes As a conclusion, important influences of environmental factors on growth traits were identified for Dorper lambs.

Keywords : Birth weight; weaning weight; pre-weaning; weight gain; growth traits; Dorper lambs.

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