Qualitative traits and their effects on litter size and birth weight in sheep in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the influence of maternal qualitative traits on litter size, and birth weight of lambs in small holder sheep in Soudano-sahelian zone of Cameroon. The results of the study indicate horned ewes are rare (5%). Coat pattern was predominantly dichromic (81%); the ewes were predominantly non-wattle (90.1%) and non-supernumerary teats (95.9%). The facial profile was convex (61.2%) while the ears were largely semi-pendulous (38.8%) and pendulous (52.1%). The mean litter size and birth weight were 1.27 and 2.58 kg respectively. Although litter size was not significantly (P<0.01; 0.05) affected by supernumerary teats, coat pattern and ears orientation. However, horns significantly (P<0.01) influenced litter size, with horned ewes having more twins (1.80±0.152) than hornless ewes (1.25±0.035). Wattles and facial profile also significantly (P<0.05) influenced litter size. Indeed, litter size is higher in females without wattles and having a straight facial profile.  On the other hand, wattles, horns, coat pattern, facial profile and supernumerary teats had no significant (P<0.01; 0.05) influence on birth weight of lambs, while ears orientation did (P<0.01). Lambs from pendulous ears ewes were heavier (2.71±0.114 kg) than the ones from horizontal ears ewes (2.36± 0.187 kg) at birth. Although the birth weight is higher in males than female lambs and in single birth compared to twins. However, only litter size significantly (P<0.01) influenced the weight of lambs at birth. Parity significantly (P<0.05) influenced birth weight of lambs. The higher the parity, the heavier the lambs. These results show that some maternal qualitative traits influenced both prolificacy and body weight of lambs in sheep. These may play an important role in breeding programs aimed at improving body weight and prolificacy in sheep in Cameroon.

Keywords: Qualitative traits, Litter Size, Birth Weight, Sheep, Cameroon.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/14-2-03

Publication date: July 31^st 2024