Open AccessThe effect of the system of crossing on fattening parameters of weaned lambs
Author(s) -
Dragana Ružić-Muslić,
M.P. Petrović,
M.M. Petrović,
Zorica Bijelić,
V. Pantelić,
Predrag Perišić,
Violeta Caro-Petrović
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
biotechnology in animal husbandry/biotechnology in animal husbandry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2217-7140
pISSN - 1450-9156
DOI - 10.2298/bah1203529r
Subject(s) - breed , heterosis , zoology , biology , hay , animal husbandry , body weight , purebred , weight gain , feed conversion ratio , veterinary medicine , agronomy , ecology , medicine , hybrid , agriculture , endocrinology
In this paper, the effect of different systems of crossing of sheep: two-breed (PxW) and three-breed (PxWxIDF) on production results - body weight and average daily gain of lambs weaned at the age of 60 days and fattened to age of 120 days, was investigated. Also, the effect of crossing on consumption and conversion of food and nutrients was monitored. Study was carried out on the Experimental sheep farm of the Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade-Zemun, and following breeds were used in the crossing: Pirot Pramenka (P), Wurttemberg (W) and Ile de France (IDF). Pirot Pramenka was used as the maternal basis, while Wurttemberg rams were used as sires, and as terminal breed, Ile de France rams were used. Results have shown that the three-breed crosses of F1 generation, compared to two-breed crosses, obtained higher body gain for 19.23% with lower food intake for 5.19%, during fattening period lasting from 60th to 120th day of age. Regarding feed conversion ratio, they used per 1 kg of body gain 29.61% less hay and 20.82% less concentrate feeds. Positive biological effect exhibited in three-breed crosses (PxWxIDF) is consequence of individual heterosis and maternal heterosis.