Effect of Environmental Factors on Preweaning Growth Traits of Morkaraman Lambs
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the environmental factors impacting preweaning growth traits in Morkaraman herds and to categorize weaning weight using the Gaussian mixture regression model. The mean live weights of lambs at birth, 60th, and 90th day (weaning) were determined to be 3.97 kg, 17.94 kg, and 24.92 kg, respectively. The effect of lambing years on live weights at all ages was found to be quite significant (p<0.001). The effect of dam age on birth (p<0.01), 60th day (p<0.001), and weaning weight (p<0.001) was also highly significant. Male lambs were superior to females in terms of birth weight (p<0.001), 60th day (p<0.01), and weaning weight (p<0.001). Birth type was only found to have a significant effect on birth weight (p<0.001). Additionally, it was determined that the weaning weights could be categorized according to districts using the Gaussian mixture regression model. As a result, knowing the effects of environmental factors on the growth traits of lambs, which are effective in the emergence of genetic potential, can provide important contributions to the strategies of breeding and management.
Keywords
Morkaraman, lamb, growth traits
Thanks
The data used in this study were obtained within the scope of Morkaraman breed sheep breeding sub-project. I would like to thank the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies for their support in the project.
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