Association of Lamb Sex with Body Measurements in Single and Twin on the Awassi Ewes
Association of Lamb Sex with Body Measurements in Single and Twin on the Awassi Ewes
Tahreer Mohammed Al-Thuwaini*, Ali Basim Abd Al-Hadi
ABSTRACT
Sheep litter size is the most crucial trait in terms of reproductive, and it is influenced by many factors, including ovulation rates, body scores, uterine capacity, and ewes’ body condition. Productive traits of ewes are known to be affected by lamb sex and body measurement. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association of lamb’s sex with the ewes’ body measurement in single and twin pregnancies in Awassi ewes. Within the current study, 232 sexually mature, healthy ewes (109 with twins and 123 with single pregnancies) between the ages of 3 and 4 years were evaluated. The body measurements and the live body weight of each animal were determined. This study revealed that lamb sex significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influences the live body weight of Awassi ewes. Association analysis of lamb sex with body measurements of pregnant ewes, including singleton and twin, showed that male pregnant Awassi ewes had higher body dimensions than the female pregnant Awassi ewes. There was the highest correlation (P ≤ 0.05) between lamb sex with live body weight and body dimensions of ewes with single and twin pregnancies. In conclusion, twin and single pregnancy ewes with heavier live body weights and higher body measurements have a significantly higher probability of having a male lamb than those have a female lamb. Using this variation, producers can discriminate between ewes carrying female births and those producing male births, thereby gaining more economic benefits.
Keywords | Body measurements, Lamb sex, Litter size, Pregnancy, Sheep
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August 2022
Vol. 10, Iss. 8, Pages 1659-1886
