Evaluation of growth and carcasses performance of crossbred lambs from Kurdi mother cross with Kurdi, Baluchi and Karakul rams

Identifying the genetic capacity of native sheep ecotypes and using that in crossbreeding for higher performance in Iran can be effective in increasing sheep profitability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding on pre- and post weaning and carcass composition of purebred and crossbred lambs. Thus, three genetical groups such as purebred Kurdi (KK), Baluchi*Kurdi (BK) and Karakul*Kordi (GK) were used. Data were analyzed with GLM procedure using SAS 9.2. Results showed that Kordi ewes mated with Kurdi rams had the highest fertility percentage (90%). GK crossbred lambs had the highest and BK crossbred lambs had the lowest birth weight (4.89 vs. 4.15 kg, respectively). Dry matter intake of BK lambs (1360 g/d) and GK crossbred lambs (1150 g/d). The highest daily gain weight was obtained in BK genetic group and the lowest in KK genetic group was 202.6 and 164.8 g / day, respectively. The fattening lambs of GK had the highest hot and cold carcasses weight and carcass efficiency (25.9, 25.2 and 59.8, respectively). The effect of crossbreeding on fat thickness, tail and rump weight was significant and the BK lambs had the lowest fat thickness (7.2) and the highest rump weight (3.2).Based on the average performance before and after weaning as well as the appropriate carcass characteristics in lambs obtained from Karakul rams, it seems that the use of Karakul rams for the production of commercial crossbreed lambs is more appropriate.