Some Production Traits of Sudan Indigenous Sheep under Shambat University Farm Condition

Abstract

Reproduction and production traits of Sudan desert sheep kept at Shambat University Farm were studied. The study comprised 80 ewes and 15 rams over 3 years of age. Gestation length for these sheep averaged 150 ± 1.58 days. Dam weight and type of birth had no significant effect on gestation length. Sex had a significant effect on gestation length, male births had longer gestation periods (151±1.15 days) than female births (148.71±1.03 days). Total mortality rate from birth to weaning at 4 months was 35.91%. Age of dam, birth weight, season of birth, type of birth and lamb age had a significant effect on mortality rate. While the dam weight and sex had no significant effect on mortality rate. Overall mean birth weight was 3.99±0.77 kg. Age of dam, type of birth, weight of dam and sex of birth had a significant effect on birth weight. Average preweaning daily gain was 97.25±7.01 gm/day. Average daily milk yield was 4.9±0.08 kg and average lactation length was 128±4.11 days. Average chemical composition of colostrum for the first five days was 19.98% total solids, 5.93% fat, 7.75% protein 5.41% lactose and 0.93 ash