DYNAMICS OF WEIGHT AND GROWTH RATES OF YOUNG STOCK OF DIFFERENT ORIGINS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37000/abbsl.2026.119.23Keywords:
lambs, live weight, crossbreds, average daily gain, growth and development, crossbreeding, meat productivity.Abstract
The article highlights the relevance of studying the dynamics of live weight and growth rates of young sheep of different genetic origins under the conditions of modern meat sheep production development. It has been established that the intensity of growth in young animals is one of the key indicators of precocity, meat productivity, and the efficiency of selection and breeding work. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to increase sheep productivity through the use of crossbreeding and the selection of genotypes with a high growth and development potential.
The aim of the study was to investigate the peculiarities of growth, development, and formation of weight gains in young animals of different genetic origins. The research was conducted under the conditions of the farm enterprise “Sheyko” in Kyiv region using purebred Dorper sheep and crossbred lambs of different genotypes. Live weight parameters were assessed at different age periods, as well as absolute, average daily, and relative weight gains, growth coefficients, and growth indices.
It was found that purebred Dorper lambs were characterized by higher live weight and average daily gain compared to their crossbred contemporaries. At the same time, three-breed crossbreds demonstrated better growth performance compared to two-breed animals, indicating a positive effect of crossbreeding on the formation of productive traits. The most intensive growth was observed during the suckling period from birth to 3 months of age.
The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using the obtained results to improve breeding programs, increase meat productivity of sheep, and substantiate effective crossbreeding schemes in sheep farming.
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