Abstract
SUMMARYMultiple birth percentage and wool production were studied on 338 ewes (907 lambing and 873 shearing records) representing two purebreds, Oxford (O) and Suffolk (S), and four crossbreds, O × S, S × O, Cheviot (C) × O and C × S mated to purebred and crossbred rams during 9 years. Oxford ewes had 24–32% (P<0·01) fewer multiple births than ewes of the other groups, while little difference between S and the crossbreds was observed. The heterosis of the OS and SO groups was 14·6 ± 4·1%. Multiple births tended to increase 0·8% for each kg increase in body weight of the dam (r = 0·13). The repeatability estimate for multiple births was 0·24. Fleece weight was significantly affected by age and by breed group, with OS and SO crosses producing 17% more wool than their parental breeds. The repeatability of fleece weight was estimated at 0·52 ± 0·15. Fleece weight was significantly correlated with multiple birth percentage (0·09) and body weight (0·32).Suffolk ewes averaged 9·5 kg heavier than O ewes throughout their reproductive life. The two reciprocal crosses were heavier than both parental breeds. Suffolk ewes reached their maximum body weight at 4 years of age while Oxfords continued to gain weight up to 6 years.
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