Body weight changes during different physiological stages of Mecheri ewes

Abstract

A study was made in 749 animals to observe body weight changes at different physiological stages of Mecheri ewes. Effects of non-genetic factors, viz. period and season of mating, parity of the ewes and sex of the lamb were studied. The overall least-squares means for body weights of Mecheri ewes at mating and just before lambing were 23.3±0.16 and 28.3±0.16 kg, respectively, with a total weight gain of 4.98±0.08 kg during pregnancy period. Parity had highly significant effect on body weights at different months of pregnancy. The overall least-squares mean birth weight of lambs was 2.26±O.18 kg. Males had highly significantly more birth weight than fenlales. Period and parity of the ewes had significant effect on birth weight of lambs. Body weight during lactation revealed that season of mating and parity of ewes had significant effect on body weight during lactation. Period and season of Inating and parity of the ewes also had highly significant effect on weight gain of Mecheri ewes after weaning. The study on body weight at different physiological stages in Mecheri ewes revealed that the ewes gained maximum weight during the final month of pregnancy and there was a considerable reduction in body weight during lactation. Hence, during these periods Mecheri ewes should be maintained on better feeding and management that may result in increased birth and weaning weights.