Abstract
In this paper, the effect of different systems of crossing of sheep: two-breed (PxW) and three-breed (PxWxIDF) on production results - body weight and average daily gain of lambs weaned at the age of 60 days and fattened to age of 120 days, was investigated. Also, the effect of crossing on consumption and conversion of food and nutrients was monitored. Study was carried out on the Experimental sheep farm of the Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade-Zemun, and following breeds were used in the crossing: Pirot Pramenka (P), Wurttemberg (W) and Ile de France (IDF). Pirot Pramenka was used as the maternal basis, while Wurttemberg rams were used as sires, and as terminal breed, Ile de France rams were used. Results have shown that the three-breed crosses of F1 generation, compared to two-breed crosses, obtained higher body gain for 19.23% with lower food intake for 5.19%, during fattening period lasting from 60th to 120th day of age. Regarding feed conversion ratio, they used per 1 kg of body gain 29.61% less hay and 20.82% less concentrate feeds. Positive biological effect exhibited in three-breed crosses (PxWxIDF) is consequence of individual heterosis and maternal heterosis.
Highlights
IntroductionApplication of crossing in sheep production is aimed at increase of meat production and it is very important in programs of improvement of sheep breeding
Pirot Pramenka was used as the maternal basis, while Wurttemberg rams were used as sires, and as terminal breed, Ile de France rams were used
They used per 1 kg of body gain 29.61% less hay and 20.82% less concentrate feeds
Summary
Application of crossing in sheep production is aimed at increase of meat production and it is very important in programs of improvement of sheep breeding. Crossing of different sheep breeds is focused on use of the superiority of specialized sheep breeds with good meat production and transmitting of desirable genes to their progeny (Farid, 1991; Schoeman, 1995; Petrović, 2000, Chrestha and Heaney, 2004). In the system of crossing which includes only two breeds only the heterosis of the individual animal is utilized, whereas in three-breed crossing the heterosis of dam is added. Full utilization (100%) of the heterosis of the individual animal as well as the dam results in higher gain and body mass, compared to two-breed crosses. Use of rams of Ill de France breed as terminal breed caused increase of body mass in their progeny by 12%, compared to results obtained for rams of original breed (Boujenane et al , 1998)
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