Growth and reproductive performance of west african Dwarf Sheep (Djallonké) at the livestock and poultry research centre, University of Ghana

Abstract

The West African Dwarf Sheep (Djallonké) is popularly raised in Ghana and serve as important source of protein in the diet, provide a source of income and play important socio-cultural roles. This study evaluated the growth and reproductive performance of the Djallonké sheep at the Livestock and Poultry Research Centre of the University of Ghana between the years 2008 and 2016. Production records were analyzed to determine the effects of non-genetic factors (sex of lamb, parity of dam, year of birth, season of birth and type of birth) on birth weight, weaning weight, pre-weaning growth rate and lambing interval. The overall means obtained for the traits were 1.74 kg for birth weight, 11.0 kg for weaning weight at 4 months (120 days), 76.9 g/day for pre-weaning growth rate and 327 days for lambing interval. Type of birth and sex of lamb affected birth weight with singles (1.94) weighing heavier than twins (1.60 kg) and triplets (1.50 kg), and males weighing heavier than females at birth (1.80 versus 1.70 kg). Also lambs delivered in the major rainy season recorded higher weaning weights than those delivered in the minor season (11.3 versus 10.8 kg). Lambs delivered in the major rainy (79.5 g/day) and dry seasons (79.6 g/day) had higher pre-weaning growth rate than those delivered in the minor rainy season (74.5 g/day). Lambing interval average 327 days. It was prolonged in the year 2016 compared with the other years. Results from the study suggest improving husbandry practices especially nutrition of the Djallonké will enhance its productivity.