scholarly journals Balami Sheep: Performance in North-Eastern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
V. Buvanendran ◽  
I. F Adu
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
North Eastern

Balami sheep is the largest indiginous breeds of sheep in Nigeria with a mature ewe weight of 43kg. The performance of this breed was studied using 454 lambing records of 142 ewes during a 6-year period. Lambing occurred throughout the year with a peak during the wet  season. First lambing was at 18 months of age and subsequent  lambing occurred at approximately 9 months intervals. Mean litter size increased from 1.02 at first lambing to 1.6 at 54 months years of age. Lambing interval was shorter by 50 days for lambing in the wet than in the dry season. Lamb mortality to 10 weeks of age was about 43%. Lambs born during the wet season those from primiparous ewes and twins had low survival rates. Mean birth weight was 3.3kg and weights at 4 and 10 weeks of age were 7.4 and 12.1kg respectively. Type of birth, age of dam and sex had significant effects on weights at all ages. Productivity of ewes estimated as weight of weaned lamb per kg metabolic weight per annum increased with the age of the ewe to about 55 months of age. Repeatability of litter size, lambing interval, birth and 10 weeks were 0.087, 0.091, 0.052 and 0.273 respectively.

Breeding Australian crossbred ewes with Arabian fat-tailed rams for intensive lamb production

1996 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
RC Malik ◽  
MA Razzaque ◽  
S Abbas ◽  
T Al-Mutawa ◽  
N Al-Khozam
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Season Of Birth ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Sources Of Variation ◽  
Daily Gain

The reproductive performance under intensive management of Border Leicester x Merino (BLM), Dorset x Merino (DM), and Suffolk x Merino (SM) ewes imported from Australia, and local fat-tailed Naeemi (N) ewes mated to N rams was studied. Progeny performance for birth and weaning weights, average daily gain (ADG) and preweaning survival was also evaluated. BLM ewes showed the highest reproductive performance. They produced and weaned (at 8 weeks) significantly more lambs (P<0.05) than any of the other ewe genotypes. The reproductive performance of the BLM, N, DM and SM ewes, mated twice, 8 months apart, was 127, 85, 91 and 85 respectively for percentage of lambs born to ewes joined, 109, 72, 77 and 70 respectively for percentage of lambs weaned to ewes joined, and 17.8, 13.5, 12.1 and 11.6 kg respectively of lamb weaned per ewe joined over the period of 13 months from the first joining until last lambs weaned. The effect of season on ewe reproduction was significant. Birth weight was not influenced by genotype or season but did change significantly with litter size. Genetic group, litter size, season of birth and birth weight were significant sources of variation in the ADG and weaning weight of the lamb. N x BLM lambs were weaned at significantly heavier weights than lambs of the remaining 3 groups. Season of birth and birth weight also significantly affected preweaning lamb survival. About 86% of the lambs born alive were weaned with little difference between genetic groups in survival rates.

scholarly journals SEASONAL EFFECTS ON LAMB PRODUCTION UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-174
Author(s):  
I. O. A. Adeleye
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
West African ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Multiple Birth ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Tropical Conditions ◽  
Weaning Age

Observations were made over a period of three years on a total of 336 West African Dwarf (WAD) ewes that were mated to four rams in rotation. Out of a total of 753 lambs obtained, 459 (61%) were produced in the wet season as compared to 294 (39%) produced in the dry season. More lambs were produced as a result of multiple birth (twins and triplets) in the wet than in the dry season. Consequently, the average birth weight of the wet season lambs (1.58kg) was lower than the average birth weight (1.66 kg) of the dry season lambs. Despite this initial disadvantage, the wet season lambs had a higher average weaning weight (9.11 kg) than the dry season lambs (7.83 kg). The effects of season on pre weaning lamb mortality was minimal while the effects of type of birth were quite apparent. Lowest pre-weaning lamb mortality values were recorded for single lambs, followed by twins and triplets, in ascending order. The data also showed that a slightly higher proportion of the male lambs reached weaning age than female lambs. This observation could be associated with reported inverse relationship between lamb birth weight and mortality found in literature.

Transmission networks and ectoparasite mite burdens in Oecomys paricola (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Fernanda Rodrigues Fernandes ◽  
Somayra da Silva Abreu ◽  
Leonardo Dominici Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Transmission Networks ◽  
Eastern Brazil ◽  
Individual Host ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Parasitic Burden

Abstract The host contact network structure results from the movement and behaviour of hosts (e.g. degree of sociability; vagility and greater or lesser fidelity of shelters), which can generate heterogeneity in the transmission of parasites and influence the parasitic burden of individual hosts. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that the burdens of Gigantolaelaps oudemansi mites are related to the characteristics of the transmission networks of individuals of Oecomys paricola, a solitary rodent. The study was carried out in a savannah habitat in north-eastern Brazil. In the dry season, the rodent network presented sub-groups of rodent individuals interacting with each other, whereas in the wet season, no modules were formed in the network. Mite burden was positively related to the number of connections that an individual host had with other host individuals in the dry season. The pairwise absolute difference between the mean mite burdens among individual rodents was negatively correlated with the similarities of node interactions. No relationships were observed during the wet season. There was a higher heterogeneity of mite burden among hosts in the dry season compare to that in the wet season. In solitary species, spatial organization may show seasonal variation, causing a change in the opportunities of host contacts, thereby influencing the transmission and dispersion of their ectoparasite burdens.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DRY SEASON SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF YANKASA SHEEP IN A TWICE-YEARLY LAMBING PROGRAMME

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 41-49
Author(s):  
O. A. Osinowo ◽  
M. S. Doma ◽  
N. Pathiraja ◽  
V. Buvanendran
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Northern Nigeria ◽  
Consistent Increase ◽  
Different Levels

Ninety-four pregnant Yankasa ewes were divided into 3 groups and fed;(1) 0, (2) 200 or (3) 400 g/head/day of a concentrate supplement in addition to 6 h grazing daily, from 35.9±2.0 days before, to 98. 122.0 days after lambing in the dry season between 2 Jan vary and 15 May 1984 in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) bet den groups in litter size and adjusted birth weight in the initial lambing 35.9±2.0 days into the experiment although the latter showed consistent increase with level of supplementation. Adjusted 90-day Weaning weights increased significantly (P<0.05) with each increase in level of supplementation: 5:5, 7.1 and 8.6kg for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Correspondingly, the percentage of lambs weaned increased (48.6, 56.4 and 90.7%) while ewe mortality declined (12.9, 10.0 and 3.0%) with increasing level of supplementation, The percentage of ewes exhibiting oestrus within 98.1±2.0 days postpartum increased with level of supplementation: 77,8,91.3 and 96.8% for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. However, of the ewes showing oestrus, there were no significant differences between groups in post-partum intervals to oestrus and conception. Litter size from matings during the experiment showed non-significant increase with level of supplementation. It is concluded that dry season supplementary feeding is essential for optimum reproductive performance of Yankasa sheep in a twice-yearly lambing programme. 

scholarly journals Environmental Factors Affecting Birth Weight And Litter Size In Yankasa Sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 14-19
Author(s):  
R. O. Balogun ◽  
M. E. Olayemi ◽  
O .A, . Osinowo
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Season Of Birth ◽  
Sheep Flock ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Factors Affecting

Records on 1634 lambings of a Yankasa sheep flock collected from 1983 to 1990 were used to determine the effects of parity, litter size, sex, season and year of birth on birth weight, and that of parity, season and year of birth on litter size respectively.  Least squares means (± s.e.) for birth weight and litter size were 2.49±0.013kg and 1.22±0.010 respectively. Birth weight was significantly (P<0.01) affected by parity, sex, litter size and season of birth. Lambs born in the late wet season had higher birth weights than those born in other seasons. Also, male and single lambs were heavier at birth than female and twin lambs.  Litter size was significantly (P<0.01) affected by parity, season and year of birth. Late wet season lambing had lower litter size than other seasons.  The repeatability estimates for birth weight and litter size were 0.19±0.028 and 0.01±0.032 respectively while phenotypic correlation between the two traits was -0.249.

scholarly journals Manakins (Pipridae) in Second-Growth and Old-Growth Forests: Patterns of Habitat Use, Movement, and Survival

The Auk ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Blake ◽  
Bette A. Loiselle
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests ◽  
Capture Rates

AbstractWe used capture and recapture data (1985 to 1994) to examine seasonal variation in habitat use, movements within and among habitats, and survival rates of manakins (Manacus candei, Corapipo altera, Pipra mentalis, P. pipra) in northeastern Costa Rica. Manakins were captured in young and old second-growth woodlands in the lowlands and in old-growth forest at approximately 50, 500, and 1,000 m. Manakin species differed in their use of habitats, with old-growth forest species showing large and predictable seasonal variation in capture rates. Corapipo capture rates in lowland (nonbreeding) habitats were greater during the wet season than during the dry season and were greater in old-growth forest than in second growth. Capture rates at 500 m were higher in the dry season. Pipra mentalis capture rates were high in second growth and old growth. Capture rates were higher in the wet season and were correlated with capture rates of Corapipo, indicating that at least some individual P. mentalis migrate along the elevational gradient. P. pipra capture rates were highest at 1,000 m; few individuals descended to lowlands in the wet season. Manacus capture rates were highest in young second growth and did not vary between wet and dry seasons. Use of second-growth habitats by species typically associated with old-growth forests illustrates the value of maintaining a mosaic of habitats to accommodate seasonal changes in use of habitats. Contrary to expectations based on lek mating systems, there was little evidence that movements within habitats (i.e. recapture distances) varied between sexes. Yet, recapture percentages were higher in all species for adult females than males. Adult survival rates were ∼0.75 for Manacus in young second growth, 0.62 for Corapipo in old-growth forest at 50 m and 0.66 at 500 m, and 0.70 for Pipra mentalis in lowland old-growth forest. Results support the suggestion that geographic variation in survival rates may be common in the tropics and illustrate the need for examining survival rates separately by age and sex.

Ecology of the Northern Bettong, Bettongia tropica, a Tropical Mycophagist

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 549 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. N. Johnson ◽  
A. P. McIlwee
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Hypogeous Fungi ◽  
Eucalyptus Forest ◽  
Seasonal Ecology ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Open Woodland

The diet and seasonal ecology of the northern bettong, Bettongia tropica, was studied at three sites along a moisture gradient from closed Allocasuarina-Eucalyptus forest to dry open woodland in north-eastern Queensland. At each site, fungi (sporocarps of hypogeous ectomycorrhizal species) were the major food, and most of the remainder of the diet consisted of grass leaf and stem, roots and tubers, and lilies. Forbs and invertebrates were also eaten, but in small quantities. Fungus consumption was greatest at the wettest forest type and least at the driest site. Seasonal variation was insignificant except at the driest site, where fungus consumption peaked in the late wet season and dropped during the dry season; this seasonal fall in fungus consumption was associated with an increase in consumption of grass and roots and tubers. There was little seasonal variation in body condition, except at the driest site, where the dry-season decline in the proportional representation of fungus in the diet was associated with a decline in body condition. Breeding was continuous and aseasonal. B. tropica is found only in a narrow zone of sclerophyll forest along the western edge of wet tropical rainforest in north-eastern Queensland. We suggest that this species (like bettongs and potoroos in southern Australia) depends on hypogeous fungi, and that expansion of its geographical range into drier forest types is prevented by shortages of fungus during the dry season.

scholarly journals 21 Comparison of Savanna, Kiko, and Spanish Sires for Meat Goat Doe-Kid Traits

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 69-69
Author(s):  
Lauren Stevens ◽  
Emily G Hayes ◽  
Piush Khanal ◽  
Shaneqwa Thomas ◽  
Mozell Byars ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Performance Traits ◽  
Meat Goat ◽  
Sire Breed

Abstract Savanna sires were evaluated for kid preweaning and doe reproductive traits over six years. Savanna (n = 17) and Kiko (n = 13) sires were bred to Kiko-base does producing 600 kids. Savanna (n = 17) and Spanish (n = 11) sires were bred to Spanish-base does producing 456 kids. Doe traits were evaluated on 536 Kiko and 441 Spanish doe exposures. Kids were weighed at birth and when weaned at 3 mo of age. Non-genetic factors sex and litter size influenced (P &lt; 0.05) kid performance traits as expected. Birth weights of kids from Kiko does were heavier (P &lt; 0.01) for Savanna sires than Kiko sires (3.11 vs. 2.83 ± 0.08 kg). Birth weights of kids from Spanish does were heavier (P &lt; 0.01) for Savanna sires than Spanish sires (3.05 vs. 2.76 ± 0.09 kg). Sire breed did not affect (P &lt; 0.05) weaning weight from Kiko does (15.0 vs 14.8 ±0.6 kg). Savanna sires generated heavier (P &lt; 0.05) weaning weights than Spanish sires (14.2 vs. 13.3 ± 0.6 kg) from Spanish does. Sire breed did not affect ADG or kid survival rates in either doe group. Non-genetic factors litter size and age of dam affected (P &lt; 0.05) doe performance traits in both doe groups. Savanna sires produced heavier litters (P &lt; 0.01) at birth compared to Kiko sires on Kiko does (10.7 vs. 9.7 ± 0.4 kg) and compared to Spanish sires on Spanish does (9.4 vs. 8.3 ± 0.5 kg). Service sire breed did not affect kidding or weaning rate, number of kids born or weaned, or litter weaning weight in either doe group. Savanna sires consistently increased birth weight values. Sire breed did not consistently affect weaning weight values and did not influence other preweaning kid traits or doe reproductive traits.

scholarly journals Litter size, lamb survival, birth and twelve week weight in lambs born to cross-bred ewes

2004 ◽  
pp. 233-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.C. Thomson ◽  
P.D. Muir ◽  
N.B. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
High Survival ◽  
Birth Rank ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Lamb Survival ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Mixed Age

This study looked at ewe effects on the number of lambs reared (litter size and mortality) and lamb 12 week weight (birth weight and growth rate). Over six years, data was collected on 5571 lambs born to around 3390 Romney (R), Finn cross Romney (F x R), East Friesian cross Romney (EF x R) and Poll Dorset cross Romney (PD x R) ewes. Ewe live weights were recorded pre-lambing and 12 weeks post-lambing. Lambs were weighed at birth and 12 weeks post-lambing. Ewe effects played a significant role in affecting the productivity of the system and many effects were cumulative. Over six years, the lambing percentage (lambs born/ewes lambing) was 165 %. Two tooth ewes had lower lambing percentages than the mixed age ewes (155 vs 170 %). Lambing percentages were 186 % for F x R, 171 % for the EF x R, 155 % for the PD x R and 153 % for the R ewes. Birth weights ranged from 1 kg to 9.8 kg, with a mean of 4.8 kg. Lambs born to F x R ewes (4.28 kg) were significantly lighter at birth than those born to PD x R ewes (5.34 kg). On average, 5 % of lambs were dead at tagging and 11 % of all lambs born were not present at 12 wks of age. The relationship between birth weight and mortality differed to previously published New Zealand reports with high survival rates in the present study over a wide range of birth weights from 3 to 9 kg. It is likely that changes in management practices (improved nutrition, heavier ewes, and selection for easy care lambing) may have contributed to the reduced mortality rates in the heavier lambs in the present study. Ewe genotype modified the effect of birth rank on birth weight and mortality. The average penalty for each additional lamb was smaller for the progeny of the EF x R and F x R ewes (0.85 and 0.88 kg, respectively) than for the progeny of the R and PD x R ewes (1.09 and 1.17 kg, respectively). Triplets born to R ewes had significantly lower survival rates than the other lambs. Heavier birth weights are likely to result in heavier lambs at 12 weeks of age that can be sold earlier. Keywords: birth rank, birth weight, ewe breed, lamb growth, lamb survival

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