Differences in post-parturient behaviour, lamb performance and survival rate between purebred Egyptian Rahmani and its crossbred Finnish ewes

Abstract

In this study maternal and neonatal behaviour and lamb performance and mortality rates were compared from birth until weaning in Egyptian Rahmani sheep and its F 1 crosses with Finnish sheep. Data were collected from 48 twin-bearing multiparous ewes (second parity) and their offspring. The crossbred Finnish ewes spent significantly ( P < 0.001) more time grooming their lambs and made higher low-pitched vocalizations, compared to the purebred Rahmani ewes. They were also less likely ( P < 0.05) to move away from their lambs (during the trial for the lambs to seek the udder and attempts to suckle) and showed less rejection behaviour towards their lambs than the purebred Rahmani ewes. Likewise, the crossbred Finnish lambs were more active at birth than the purebred Rahmani lambs and took a shorter time to stand ( P < 0.001), reach the udder and suckle ( P < 0.001) and spent more time suckling ( P < 0.001). Consequently, the crossbred Finnish lambs recorded higher growth rates and weaning weights ( P < 0.05) and recorded lower mortality rates ( P < 0.01) during the period from birth to weaning. Thus crossbreeding the Egyptian Rahmani with a Finnish breed appeared to improve both maternal and neonatal behaviour and lamb performance of the Egyptian breed—while also reducing lamb mortality from birth to weaning. Improving the performance and reducing losses of newborn lambs may not only improve their welfare, but also have an economic benefit.