The effect of Awassi ewes body condition scores on milk production, composition and lambs growth

Abstract EN

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of body condition scores (BCS) and Sex of lamb on Awassi ewes milk production, composition and lambs growth.

The experiment conducted at one of the Awassi sheep breeders in Baibokht area (8km north of Mosul city ) for three months.

Ewes were fed concentrate 500g/ewe/day, 60% barley, 38% wheat bran, 1% salt and 1% limestone, with grazing.

ewes were divided in to three groups.

First group body condition score (BCS 2), the second group (BCS 3) and the third group (BCS 4).

The results revealed BCS3 had a significant effect (P<0.05) on weekly milk yield, total milk yield, fat percentage and lambs weight at different ages and no significant effects of BCS on milk Lactose, Protein, total solid and solid non-fat percentage.

Sex of lamb had a significant effect (P<0.05) on weekly milk yield and total milk yield and lambs weight from birth until weaning.

And no significant effects on milk composition.

In general this means that BCS led to significant improvement in the studied traits for behalf highly BCS compared to low.

Male lambs had a significant effect on ewes milk yield and lambs weight.