Authors : Fatin Cedden , Orhan Yilmaz , Bekir Ankarali and Mehmet Ertugrul
Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate fattening performance of Akkaraman crossbreed F1 lambs obtained from Chios, Border Leicester, Dorset Down and Ile de France breeds and to compare them with native pure Akkaraman lambs under extensive farmer�s condition in Central Anatolia. A total of 124 crossbreed lambs were obtained from 200 oestrus synchronized and artificially inseminated ewes in normal breeding season. Average weight at birth and weaning varied significantly by genotype. The live weights at 28th day of fattening were 29.73�0.353 and 27.45�0.371 kg for males and females, respectively. At 56th day of fattening, Dorset Down and Border Leicester F1 lambs were significantly heavier than pure Akkaraman and Chios F1 lambs. Total live weight of finishing at 84th day was not affected by birth weight for all genotypes. Final weights of pure Akkaraman and Chios F1 lambs were significantly lower than other genotypes (37.11�0.388 and 38.77�0.613 kg vs 39.99�0.569; 40.90�0.523 and 40.34�0.431 kg). However, mortality from birth to weaning was almost doubled in these breeds, compared to pure Akkaraman and Chios F1 lambs.
Fatin Cedden , Orhan Yilmaz , Bekir Ankarali and Mehmet Ertugrul , 2008. Fattening of Crossbreed Akkaraman Lambs in Extensive Condition. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7: 595-598.