GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF NELLORE SYNTHETIC BREED OF SHEEP

Abstract

synthetic breed named as “Nellore Synthetic†was evolved at Livestock Research Station, Palamaner,
Andhra Pradesh was developed by crossing of the Nellore sheep of Andhra Pradesh with the exotic breeds
of Dorset and Suffolk by stabilizing the exotic inheritance at 50%. Data on various body weights were
subjected to least square analysis of variance by using fixed effect model to estimate the effect of various
non genetic factors Data on various body weights were subjected to least square analysis of variance by
using fixed effect model to estimate the effect of various non genetic factors. Overall mean birth weight of
Nellore sheep at birth, weaning, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 3.40±0.02 kg, 13.35±0.07kg, 17.78±0.09
kg, 20.03±0.11 kg and 22.47±0.12 kg respectively. All body weights were significantly (P<0.01) influenced
by season of birth, year and sex of lamb. Lambs born during off season were significantly (P<0.01) heavier
than the lambs born during main season. The results of present investigations indicated that, body weights
at different ages in Nellore sheep were significantly (P<0.01) influenced by year, season of birth and sex
and hence selection based on such traits might lead to enhancement of overall improvement of production
as well as growth traits in Nellore synthetic sheep breed.