GROWTH TRAITS OF YANKASA LAMBS RAISED IN A COMMERCIAL FATTENING RANCH IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Sixty Yankasa lambs raised in an Ibadan-based commercial fattening centre between December 1995 and December 1997 were investigated for important growth traits characterizing the indigenous stock. Sources of variation in birth weight, weaning weight
and weight at six months of age were investigated to assess their relative significance. There were significant differences between sexes at birth, and between years of birth (P < 0.05). There were also significant differences between adjusted weaning weights of male
and female Yankasa and between years of weaning (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between seasons for birth weights while data structure did not permit statement of statistical difference between birth months, birth season and month of weaning.
Regression of live weight on age provided prediction equations which reliabilities were indicated by associated coefficient of determinants (R²). Growth traits are highly variable suggesting that lots of opportunity exist for their improvement through selection.