A study of some factors affecting reproductive performance in New Zealand Romney and Border Leicester X Romney two-tooth ewes : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Animal Science at Massey University
Loading...
Date
1971
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The Author
Abstract
The reproductive performance of tho ewe is a key factor determining flock productivity and also the rate of genetic improvement possible within flocks. The lambing percentage of Romney sheep in New Zealand is variable but generally unsatisfactory. Crossbreeding with Border Leicesters may provide a method of rapidly improving lamb production. Extensive comparisons of Romney and Border Leicester X Romney (BLX) sheep have been conducted at Whatawhata Hill Country Research Sation (1954 - 1967) and Lincoln College (1952 - 1958). Results were in close agreement. On a per ewe basis, the crossbred was superior to the Romney in growth rate as a lamb and hogget, and in mature bodyweight. In addition, the lambing performance of the crossbred was at least 20 higher, and the growth rate of its lambs about 5% better, than the Romney.
Description
Keywords
Border Leicester sheep, Romney Marsh sheep, Sheep breeding, Sheep, Productivity, Research Subject Categories::FORESTRY, AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES and LANDSCAPE PLANNING::Animal production::Animal breeding