Effect of gender on body conformation traits in Norduz lambs

The aim of this study was to determine some body conformation characteristics of female and male Norduz lambs by using linear type evaluation scheme developed for sheep and to determine the effect of gender on conformational defects. The animal material of the study consisted of 40 female and 41 male lambs aged 5-7 months. Live weight and body measurements of lambs were determined. In the lambs, jaw alignment, rump (pelvic slope), topline, gigot and legs were considered as body conformation characteristics. Correlations among body weight and body measurements and linear body conformation characteristics were determined in female and male lambs. There were no significant differences in body conformational defects between the male and female lambs except for the side view of the hind legs. There is a need to develop linear type assessment schemes that can be applied on sheep breeds in the country. Studies on different breeds and large populations will provide more and useful information to determine the gender effect on body conformation characteristics. Keywords: Gender, Conformation, Lamb, Norduz.