EFFECTS OF WEANING AGE AND SOME OTHER FACTORS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF OSSIMI LAMBS

ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of weaning age (early, traditional and late
weaning), parity number (first, second and third or more), birth type (single and twins) and sex of lamb
(male and female) on growth performance of Ossimi lambs during post-weaning period. One hundred
and five Ossimi lambs distributed into 3 groups based on their weaning age. Lambs of early weaning
group weaned at 56 days age, while, the second and third groups of lambs were remained with their
mothers until 84 days (for traditional) and 112 days (for late weaning). The study performed at the
experimental farm belongs to Faculty of Agriculture at Moshtohor, Benha University, Egypt, and
lasted 240 days. Monthly live body weight (LBW) was recorded individually, while average daily gain
(ADG) and total weight gain (TWG) were calculated as growth indices. Both total and daily feed
intake (TFI and DFI) of dry matter were determined, then feed conversion ratio (FCR) and economical
feed efficiency (EFE) were calculated. Regarding the effect of weaning age, results indicated that early
weaned lambs showed a significant (P<0.05) heavier LBW, while traditional and late weaned lambs
had the lowest LBW from post-weaning until yearling weight. TWG and ADG of the early weaned
lambs were greater than those weaned at the traditional and late ages (P<0.001). Obtained results
indicated that parity number had a significant (P<0.05) effect on LBW, while it did not affected TWG
and ADG of lambs. Concerning the effects of birth type and sex of lamb, results indicated that single
born ram-lambs had heavier LBW and higher ADG than twin born ewe-lambs. TFI, DFI, FCR and
EFE in early weaned lambs were greater (P˂0.001) than those weaned at the other ages. In conclusion,
early weaning at 56 days of age, compared with weaning at 84 and 112 days, had positive effects on
LBW, TWG and ADG of lambs. Thus, Ossimi sheep producers should wean their lambs at 56 days of
age to earn heavier LBW and higher TWG and ADG.