Examination of non-genetic factors affecting the growth performance of djallonke sheep in soudanian zone at the Okpara breeding farm of Benin

Abstract

A study was carried out at the Okpara breeding farm in Benin. Records on 558 lambs of the Djallonke sheep breed, born from 1997 to 2000, were used to determine the weekly growth curve from birth up to 119 days of age. Non-genetic factors affecting lamb weights at birth and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days and average daily gains from 0 to 30 days, from 0 to 60 days, from 0 to 90 days and from 0 to 120 days were investigated. A linear model comprising the fixed effects of birth season, birth year, parity number of ewe and sex of lambs was used for analysis of variance by least squares. All fixed effects were significant for weight at 30 and 60 days and average daily gains at 30 days, with the exception of the parity of the ewe for birth weight, weight and average daily gain at 90 days. All fixed effects tended to cancel out for weight and average daily gains by 120 days. Lambs born in the dry season were the heaviest. Single lambs and male lambs were heavier than twins and females. Lambs from ewes of 3rd and 4th parity were heavier, with higher, average daily gains.