Comparative performance of Magra lambs in the field and at an organised farm in arid zone of Rajasthan

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare the growth and wool yield and quality of Magra lambs under the field and farm conditions in arid zone of Rajasthan. Magra lambs (40 lambs from field flocks and 20 lambs from an organized farm) from 15 days to 24 weeks of age were monitored during autumn-winter and spring-summer seasons. Lambs in the field were maintained on grazing alone while in the farm they were supplemented ad libitum groundnut haulms after grazing. There was significant (p<0.05) effect of management on body weight, weight gain and average daily gain of lambs. Compared to the field lambs, farm lambs attained 15.41 and 19.12% higher body weights at 11 and 24 weeks of age. The effect of season was significant (p<0.05) on 24 weeks body weight, weight gain during 11 to 24 weeks and average daily gain during 11 to 24 weeks of age. The overall means of wool yield of lambs at 24 weeks in the field and farm were 313.50±15.34 and 430.79±34.39 g respectively and the differences were significant (p<0.05). Fibre diameter,medullation, crimps and staple length of wool of lambs in the field and farm were 35.36±1.55 vs 34.72±2.08μ, 64.04 ±7.71 vs 54.53±6.53%, 1.12±0.01 vs 1.24±0.19 per cm and 4.68±0.49 vs d5.18±0.56 cm respectively. The study suggested thatad libitum supplementation of groundnut haulms in addition to grazing and shelter improved the growth and wool yield of Magra lambs.