On Station Growth Performance and Survival Rate of Abera Sheep in Dara Otilcho District of Sidama Regional State, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The growth performance and mortality rate (n = 105) of Abera sheep were evaluated under station management conditions. Three breeding rams and thirty-two mature ewes were selected from participants of Abera sheep community-based breeding program (CBBP) to investigate their growth performance and mortality rate over three years (2018–2020). Growth data was collected at birth, weaning age (90-days), six-month age (180-days) and yearling age. An average daily weight gain (ADG) was also estimated. The General Linear Model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software was used to analyze the data. The overall mean body weight (kg) of sheep at birth, 90 days, 180 days, and yearling age was 3.09, 13.51, 18.25, and 24.58, respectively. The estimated ADG (g/day) during the pre-weaning and post-weaning periods was recorded as 116.10 and 56.17, respectively. Single-born lambs had significantly (p<0.05) heavier body weight than multiple contemporaries for all growth traits. Male lambs were significantly (p<0.05) heavier than their female counterparts for all growth traits. Birth year did not influence (p>0.05) growth traits except body weight at birth. The overall survival rate of sheep in the present study was 86.7%. Higher mortality rate was recorded during pre-weaning periods (70%) and dry seasons (50%). On-station growth performance of sheep in the present study was promising and nearly comparable with other sheep breeds in Ethiopia managed under farmers’ management condition. Better emphasis is needed to reduce sheep mortality rate and to increase pre-weaning lamb survival, ultimately improving sheep productivity.