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ABSTRACT
This study aimed at understanding of existing sheep breeding practices and physically characterize of indigenous sheep types in Metekel zone, Wombera and Debati districts, Benshangule Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia. The study was conducted by implementing single visit questionnaire, observing and recording of sheep morphological characters, and by recording body weight and body measurements. Production systems of the study area were semi-intensive and extensive production system. The purpose of keeping sheep in Wombera area was to generate income followed by meat, saving, manure, and as means of ceremony, in that order. For Debati income generation, meat consumption, saving and manure are the purposes for keeping sheep. Breeding was generally uncontrolled in both study areas. All farmers reported that female animals are served randomly by any intact male in the flock and neighboring ram. Appearance/conformation was the most important trait in choosing of breeding ram for Wombera and Debati sheep owners. In the study area sheep were long fat tailed, long thin tail and short-fat tailed and the tail was straight and tip down ward and slightly twisted. Brown, brown with white with brown dominant, white and gray was the major colors frequently observed in the sample population in the study area. Sex and age of the sheep had a significant (p<0.01) effect on body weight and many of the body measurements. Generally, body weight and other body measurements were higher for males and also increased as the age increased from the youngest or 0 pairs of permanent incisor (PPI) to the oldest age group (2 and above PPI). Body weight of mature (having 2 and above PPI) ram and ewes were 33.4±0.25kg and 26.4±0.14 kg, respectively. Positive and highly significant (P<0.01) correlations were observed between body weight and most of the body measurements. Chest girth also the first variable to enter in to the model of stepwise regression analysis in both males and females of Wombera and Debati indigenous sheep breeds by explaining the highest variation than other measurement.
Key words: Breeding practices, Characterization, live body weight, linear body measurements, Metekel Zone |
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