Effect of non-genetic factors on greasy fleece yield in Avikalin sheep under semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan

Abstract

Data on 13 118 records ofGFY were collected on Avikalin sheep maintained from 1980 to 2003. Period of shearing, period of birth, sex of the animal and age at shearing had highly significant effect on GFY whereas season of birth ro:d shearing had nonsignificant effect. The overall population mean for greasy fleece yield was 0.821±0.01 kg. The GFY ranged from 0.518±0.03 to 1.170±O.03 kg in different age groups and time period. The GFY increased up to 2 years, stabilized up to 3.5 years of age and thereafter, it showed fluctuating and declining trend. The study revealed that before making any prediction various factors affecting GFY should be taken into account.