Performance of crossbreds of Polish Merino dams with F1 rams: Finnsheep x Polish Merino. C. Preliminary results of reproductive performance of ewes

Authors

• M. Osikowski Institute of Zootechnics, Experiment Station Koluda Wielka 88-160 Janikowo, Poland
• B. Borys Institute of Zootechnics, Experiment Station Koluda Wielka 88-160 Janikowo, Poland
• M. A. Osikowski Institute of Zootechnics, Experiment Station Koluda Wielka 88-160 Janikowo, Poland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72308

Abstract

The investigations were carried out on the basis of the first three reproductive cycles of ewes born in the same year. The experimental flock consisted of 100 ewes progeny of Polish Merino (PM) dams and F1 rams: Finnsheep (F) x PM; there were also 32 purebred PM used as controls. The crossbred ewes, with 25 % of F genotype, had a much better reproductive performance (117 % vs. 96 % in the PM), mainly due to a much higher prolificacy (152.2 vs. 133.6 %) and improved fertility (by 3.1 %) and the percentage of lambs weaned (higher in the crossbreds by 3.4 %).