Partial and complete castration of fat-tailed sheep in northern Iraq

30 (3 X 10) male Karadi lambs aged 6 to 10 months were left uncastrated (group I), were partially castrated (group 2) and completely castrated (group 3) and kept for 14 weeks under experimental conditions. During the experimental period, the partially castrated animals surpassed the animals of groups 1 and 3 in live body weight. The total gain weight was highest in group I. There were highly significant differences between the three groups in some body dimensions investigated. The TDN units required per unit increase of live weight were 10.70 (group I), 12.35 (group 2), and 13.01 (group 3). The mortality rate was 20% in group 3, and zero per cent in the other two groups.