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Factors affecting age at first lambing in Yankasa ewes
C U Osuhor1, O A Osinowo, B I Nwagu
1National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria.
Animal Reproduction Science
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Season significantly impacts age at first lambing (AFL) in Yankasa ewes. Ewes born in the late wet season reached this milestone earliest, while those born in the early wet season were the latest.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Livestock Management
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing reproductive efficiency is crucial for sheep farming.
- Age at first lambing (AFL) is a key indicator of reproductive performance in ewes.
- Yankasa ewes are a significant indigenous breed in West Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effects of various factors on the age at first lambing (AFL) in primiparous Yankasa ewes.
- To identify critical environmental and management factors influencing early reproductive maturity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 8 years of data from 133 primiparous Yankasa ewes.
- Utilized the least squares method for statistical analysis.
- Investigated the influence of season, year, litter size, birth weight, weaning age, and weaning weight on AFL.
Main Results:
- The overall mean age at first lambing (AFL) was 533.1 days.
- Season of birth significantly affected AFL (P < 0.01).
- Ewes born in the late wet season had the lowest AFL (476.9 days), while those born in the early wet season had the highest (581.9 days).
Conclusions:
- Seasonal variations play a critical role in the reproductive timing of Yankasa ewes.
- Factors such as year of lambing, birth weight, litter size, weaning age, and weaning weight did not significantly influence AFL.
- Optimizing lambing seasons could enhance reproductive efficiency in Yankasa sheep production systems.