title: Reproduction Efficiency and Health Traits in Dorper, White Dorper, and Tsigai Sheep Breeds under Temperate European Conditions.
abstract: The objective of the current pilot study was to evaluate the reproductive performance and health indicators in Dorper, White Dorper, and Tsigai breed ewes managed semi-intensively under European temperate conditions. A total of 544 ewe-year units were observed, with ewes (ranging from 1.5 to 8 years of age) managed under identical rearing conditions for a period of two consecutive production cycles (2012 through 2013 and 2013 through 2014). In general, significant (p≤0.001) genotype-related disparities were found in occurrence rates for all health parameters taken into study. Clinical mastitis incidence was significantly lower (p≤0.05) in Dorper (9.4%) and White Dorper (10.8%) breeds compared to that of Tsigai ewes (17.4%). Significant differences (p≤0.05) for lameness were found between Dorper and Tsigai breeds, with occurrence rates of 8.0% and 2.9%, respectively. Incidence for pneumonia and abortion was not influenced (p>0.05) by the ewes' genotype. Litter size was significantly lower (p≤0.05) in White Dorper breed than for Dorper and Tsigai ewes, of 1.21, 1.40, and 1.45, respectively. Conception rates and lambs survival were not affected (p>0.05) by genotype. Results suggest that South African Dorper and White Dorper sheep breeds have adapted well to the specific rearing conditions.
authors: Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania .
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Gavojdian
authors: Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania .
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Budai
authors: Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania .
authors: L T
authors: LT
authors: Cziszter
authors: Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania .
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Csizmar
authors: Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania .
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Javor
authors: Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania .
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Kusza
keywords: Fitness; Genotype; Health; Performance; Reproduction; Sheep
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