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Pre-weaning Body Measurements and Performance of Desert Sheep (Tribal Subtypes Hamari and Kabashi) Lambs of Kordofan Region, Sudan

Mohamed Ali¹*, M.A., Abdella², H.O., Elimam², M.E., Sulieman², A.H. , El-Hag³, F.M., Neama Adam Eshag⁴ and Jadalla¹, J.B.

¹Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan, Sudan.
²Faculty of Animal Production, University of Gezira, Sudan.
³Agricultural Research Corporation, Elobeid Station, Sudan.
⁴Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Studies, University of Dallanj, Sudan.

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2014 17(1): 35-45

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Hamari (n=20) and Kabashi (n=20) tribal subtype male lambs were used for a study to evaluate the pre-weaning period (4 months) growth performance and body measurements. These parameters were measured soon after birth and every two weeks thereafter. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found in birth weight and body measurements at birth, with the exception of head length between the two subtypes (18.40 vs 19.13 cm for Hamari and Kabashi lambs, respectively). Kabashi lambs had relatively higher birth weight (4.49 vs 4.38 kg), height at withers and heart girth but their heads were significantly longer (19.13 vs 18.40 cm, P<0.05). Hamari lambs were higher for the length of body, ear, neck and tail. Subtype had no significant effect on body weight during the pre-weaning period but Hamari lambs showed higher growth rates during the first two month of age and slight increase in total weight gain (19.95 vs 19.76 kg) and weaning weight (24.33 vs 24.25 kg). All lambs recorded increased body measurements with increasing age and Hamari sheep had higher values for most of the investigated traits than Kabashi sheep. Positive correlations were found between age of lambs, body measurement and body weight. The later parameter was positively correlated with most of the body measurements especially height at weathers. Significant (P<0.05) regression coefficients were recorded between age, body measurements and body weights in the two animal groups.