Factors Determining Survivability Traits of Charollais, Kent Lambs, and their Crossbreds During Rearing

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of birth weight on the survival of Charollais, Kent and their crossbreds in breeding and also on their meat performance for Charollais and Kent lambs. Data were evaluated for the six years period in the commercial flock. The total number of lambs used for evaluation was 1,197. The data were passed through the SAS STAT program using the MIXED method. In the model equation, all the dependent variables of the survival indicator were significantly statistically detectable with a significance level of P < 0.01. The results indicated that survivability lambs was significantly influenced by birth weight and litter size (P < 0.05). Meat performance of lambs was affected the most combined year and month, breed and litter size (P < 0.05). The results suggest better survivability abilities for the crossbred than the pure-bred population. Despite the lack of meat performance data, it is interesting to consider a possible selection program for the breeds, Charollais and Kent, to improve the survival of lambs for extending extensive farming methods. However, also by improving flock management we will achieve better survivability results for lambs.