Factors affecting greasy fleece weight of indigenous and crossbred sheep under semi-arid conditions

Abstract

Data on first shearing (at about seven months) greasy fleece weight of 634 young sheep born in spring over three years were analysed to study the effect of genetic and non-genetic factors. The genetic groups were Nali, Chokla and their F1 crosses with Rambouillet and Soviet Merino. Least-squares analysis revealed that year of birth and age at shearing were highly significant sources of variation (P < 0.01). Genetic groups and sex did not contribute significantly to the variation in fleece weight. Crossing Nali and Chokla with Rambouillet and Soviet Merino did not substantially improve the fleece production at first shearing.