27-Title: Trends of reproductive performance of Muzaffarnagari sheep reared under an intensive management system at an organized farm
Authors: Vandana, Garima Kansal, Brijesh Kumar, Pradeep Chandra, PK Bharati and Hariom Pandey
Source: Ruminant Science (2024)-13(1):145-150.

Abstract

How to cite this manuscript: Vandana, Kansal Garima, Kumar Brijesh, Chandra Pradeep, Bharati PK and Pandey Hariom (2024). Trends of reproductive performance of Muzaffarnagari sheep reared under an intensive management system at an organized farm. Ruminant Science 13(1):145-150.
Abstract
Renowned for rapid growth and efficient feed conversion, Muzaffarnagari sheep, an Indian mutton-producing breed, is distinguished in these aspects. The present study was designed to know the trends of reproductive performance of Muzaffarnagari sheep reared under an intensive management system at an organized farm of ICAR-IVRI, Bareilly, UP. Thirteen years of data on Muzzaffernagari sheep’s reproductive performance was gathered from a well-organized farm. To know their lambing pattern individual year data of 13 years was divided into 3 seasons summer (March, April, May, and June), Rainy season (July, August, Sept, Oct), and Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb). Simultaneously data was also classified according to single, twin birth out of a total of 453 lambing. Data on lambing was also categorized sex-wise. Nine-year data about mortality below 3 months of lamb’s age on an organized farm was also collected and categorized age and sex-wise. Mortality time whether day or night was also noted. Causes of mortality in lamb under 3 months of age are also categorized following GIT, respiratory, other, and both GIT/RTI. Data revealed the facts that 50 % of lambing occurred in the rainy season, Singlets percentage was 95%, male birth was more as compared to female birth, and the average litter size of the farm herd was 1.05. It was found that female lambs died more as compared to males. Maximum mortality occurred during the night hours. Maximum mortality i.e. 48% was due to gastrointestinal problems (GIT). Season lambing revealed that maximum lambing was seen in the rainy season. Lambs that were born in winter were heavier than rainy and summer-born lambs.
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