Abstract

LOPEZ-CARLOS, Marco et al. Growth of hair lambs in the semiarid highlands of Zacatecas during winter season. Abanico vet [online]. 2021, vol.11, e102.  Epub May 21, 2021. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2021.4.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of sex, birth type, breed, growth retardation, condition and month of birth on weight of birth (WB), and pre- and post-weaning growth of hair lambs that born during winter (n = 416). Male lambs showed better overall growth performance (P <0.05) than female lambs. Single born lambs weighed more (P <0.05) than multiple born lambs at birth and at weaning, although multiple born lambs had greater (P <0.05) average daily gain (ADG) post-weaning. Blackbelly lambs showed little weight (P <0.05) and growth. Dorper-sired lambs had greater (P <0.05) sale weight (SW) and ADG after weaning than Katahdin-sired lambs. Lambs with growth retardation had lower weight (P <0.05) and general performance. Although lambs born in December had greater (P <0.05) PN, lambs born in February had greater (P <0.05) pre-weaning ADG and SW. In conclusion, the evaluated factors significantly affect both PN and overall growth performance of lambs born in winter in the semi-arid plateau of Mexico.

Keywords : lamb; hair sheep; growth; growth retardation; Mexico.

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