|
|
:
|
In order to conserve and improve genetic resources and develop the Moghan sheep breed population in the flocks of Ardabil province, and with the aim of enhancing their operational performance, initially, 10 target flocks were identified and registered. For the purpose of recording data, specialized questionnaires were designed, and through on-site visits and interviews, phenotypic and productive traits including coat color, biometry of various body dimensions (such as chest girth, body length, hip width, withers height, rump width, and rump length); birth weight, weaning weight (3 months), six-month weight, one-year weight, and two-year weight; lambing rate, twinning rate, number of weaned lambs, and mortality; as well as milk production indices (daily milk yield, lactation length, total milk yield per lactation, and percentage of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids) and wool characteristics (fiber diameter, staple length, and wool yield) were measured over one year. The collected data, after formatting and editing in Microsoft Excel, were recorded and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.
The results showed that the mean biometric traits in males were as follows: chest girth 107/34 ± 1/06 cm, body length 71/74 ± 1/25 cm, rump width 31/14 ± 0/45 cm, withers height 89/80 ± 0/84 cm, tail width 27/00 ± 0/81 cm, and tail length 25/25 ± 0/60 cm. Corresponding values in females were 92/47 ± 0/37, 63/01 ± 0/50, 26/56 ± 0/30, 74/62 ± 0/32, 22/40 ± 0/33, and 20/20 ± 0/29 cm, respectively. The birth, 3-month, 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month body weights in males were 4/42 ± 0/06, 25/40 ± 0/30, 41/98 ± 0/36, 53/95 ± 0/30, and 70/63 ± 0/62 kg, respectively; and in females were 3/75 ± 0/037, 20/66 ± 0/18, 36/29 ± 0/33, 44/80 ± 0/30, and 58/57 ± 0/61 kg, respectively. The lambing rate, twinning rate, weaning percentage, and pre-weaning mortality were recorded at 81/47%, 13/97%, 92/52%, and 2/92%, respectively. Daily milk yield was 430 ± 9/84 g, lactation length was 156 ± 1/44 days, and total milk yield per lactation was 66/92 ± 1/60 kg. Milk composition included fat (5/67%), protein (4/91%), lactose (4/21%), and total solids (10/51%). Regarding wool traits in females, fiber diameter was 33/77 ± 0/28 μm, staple length was 10/18 ± 0/20 cm, and fleece yield was 80/53%.
These results provide a practical basis for developing breeding programs and improving the performance of Moghan sheep, and will lay the groundwork for enhancing productivity and profitability in the livestock industry of Ardabil province.
|