Abstract:

Aims: In this study, reproductive, lamb growing, fattening and milk yield characteristics of South Karaman ewes and lambs were investigated. Methods and Results: The animal material of the study consisted of South Karaman sheep raised in the nomadic system in Tarsus district of Mersin province. The flock was managed under breeders’ condition. In addition to the pasture, straw and concentrate feed were given to the animals during their stay in Tarsus. The feeding of animals was provided only by grazing in the pasture during the highland period. Lambing rate, number of lambs per ewe at mating period, number of lambs per ewe giving birth, survival rate and single and twin birth rates were calculated to determinate the reproductive characteristics. Fattening characteristics were determined by applying 60 days of fattening in 20 head male animals randomly selected from lambs of similar weight and three months old. Milk yield controls were made at 30 days interval. The Holland method was used for each lactation milk yield calculation. At the end of the study number of lambs per ewe at mating period, birth weight, weaning weight, daily weight gain and lactation milk yield were detected as 1.24, 3.4±0.07 kg, 16.7±0.18 kg, 232.8±10.24 g and 37.7 L, respectively. Conclusions: South Karaman sheep has low milk yield, fattening and reproductive characteristics similar to other fat-tailed native breeds under semi-intensive breeding conditions. Significance and Impact of the Study: At the end of the study, it can be stated that South Karaman sheep is an important breed to sustainable sheep production systems. The reproductive, fattening and milk yield characteristics of this breed are sufficient for sheep farmers, especially nomadic breeders.

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