Sheep flock productivity and management in Meknes province, Morocco

Abstract

Flocks from six counties in Meknes province, Morocco, were studied for flock management and losses. Sixteen of the 220 flocks were assessed for effects of flock management and seasonality on lambing rates and the weight of ewes and lambs during weekly visits of the flocks (1984–1986). Lambing rate, ewe weight at lambing, birth weight and weight gains increased with higher levels of supplemental feeding. Mean lambing rate for the 16 flocks was 81.3% (1984–1985) and 79% (1985–1986). Mean lambing rates were 69.9% (1984–1985) and 67.9% (1985–1986) in low nutrition groups, 82% for both years in moderate nutrition groups and 91.5% (1984–1985) and 98.3% (1985–1986) in high nutrition groups. Reproductive efficiency reached 44% (1984–1985) and 16% (1985–1986) in individual flocks on a low level of nutrition compared with 86.7% (1984–1985) and 100% (1985–1986) in individual flocks on a high level of nutrition. Results suggest that sheep flock productivity can be increased by improving management and nutrition.