Determination of fertility traits of sheep and growth characteristics of chios crossbred lambs reared under local breeder conditions

This study was conducted to determine the fertility of Chios x Kıvırcık and Chios x Cine Caparı crossbreed sheep and the growth characteristics and liveability values of crossbred lambs in Bekilli district of Denizli province. The five flock under local breeder conditions were determined. In addition to this, some fertility traits of 94 ewes and the birth weights, live weights and morphological body measurements of 111 kids indicative for growth characteristics until 120th day of age were defined. According to findings, while the birth rate, lamb rate and litter size values of Chios x Kıvırcık ewes were detected as 93%, 1.20 and 1.29, respectively; same fertility traits of Chios x Cine Caparı ewes were 93%, 1.12 and 1.20 in the same order. In the present study, the liveability traits of Chios x Kıvırcık lambs and Chios x Cine Caparı lambs on the 120th day of age were 85.33% and 86.11%, respectively. The average liveweights of crossbred lamb for each genotype on birth and 120th day of age were detected as 3.84 kg and 25.15 kg; 3.76 kg and 24.15 kg, respectively. For the same periods (birth and 120th day), The average of body measurements such as height at withers, rump height, body length and chest girth were detected as 37.70 cm and 58.33 cm; 37.88 cm and 58.34 cm; 35.54 cm and 56.66 cm with 37.04 cm and 73.29 cm, respectively for Chios x Kıvırcık lambs. Same body measurement values were determined as 36.87 cm and 58.09 cm; 37.06 cm and 58.10 cm; 35.06 cm and 55.93 cm with 35.95 cm and 73.16 cm, respectively for Chios x Cine Caparı lambs. While flocks had an statistically significant effect in generally on all the growth periods, except birth; differences between genotypes were statistically significant for the last two measurement periods (90th day and 120th day). It was thought that the animals having higher production levels and also adaptability could be reared in the region with suitable management, breeding and crossbreding systems based on the findings of this study.