​Effect of Non-genetic Factors on Reproductive Parameters and Greasy Fleece Yield in Kashmir Merino Sheep

Abstract

Background: A study was undertaken to estimate gestation length, birth weight, dam weight and greasy fleece yield in Kashmir Merino sheep and factors influencing these traits at Sheep Breeding Farm, Kralpathri in 2020-21. Methods: The traits considered in the study were overall all body weight of dams at tupping (DWT), average wool yield of dams (AWY), gestation period (GP) and birth weight (BW). The averages of 39.00±0.27 (kg), 2.38±0.02 (kg), 150.17±0.17 (days) and 3.87±0.04 (kg) for DWT, AWY, GP and BW with coefficient of variation 12.83%, 12.75,1.65 and 17.70, respectively were observed in the present study. The data was analyzed by Harvey, 1990. Result: Highest and lowest CV (%) was observed for BW and GP, respectively. Overall estimates of 37.43±0.41 (kg) and 2.21±0.02 (kg), 150.59±0.56 and 2.84±0.11 for DWT, AWY, GP and BW, respectively was observed in the present study. Effect of age of dam was significant (p less than 0.05) on DWT and AWY whereas effect of lamb weight at birth was significant on GP. The effect of genetic group of sire, dam weight, parity of dam, body weight of dam at tupping, sex and birth type of lamb had significant (p less than 0.05) effect on BW. Heaiver lambs were born to heavier dams. Therefore, increasing selection pressure at tupping for dam weight will result in improvement of birth weight and hence overall production performance of Kashmir Merino sheep.