The production characteristics of the indigenous Imroz and Kivircik sheep breeds in Turkey

Abstract

SummaryThis study was carried out to investigate the fertility, milk production and body weight of ewes and the survival and growth characteristics of lambs of the indigenous Imroz and Kivircik sheep breeds. The Imroz and Kivircik sheep breeds are included among the genetic resources in the project for the conservation of the indigenous breeds in Turkey.Conception rates for Imroz and Kivircik ewes were 57.6% and 81.7% respectively, litter sizes were 1.2 and 1.2 respectively, milk yields were 89 kg and 62 kg respectively and average live weights (2–7 years of age) were 43 kg and 55 kg, respectively. Imroz and Kivircik lambs had survival rates at weaning (90th day) of 98% and 96%, birth weights of 3.3 kg and 4.1 kg and weaning weights of 19.8 kg and 28.0 kg, respectively.The results showed that the Kivircik sheep were heavier and the lambs had a better growth rate until weaning than the Imroz breed. However, the milk production of the Imroz ewes was higher than that of Kivircik. The lambs of both breeds had a satisfactory survival and growth rates until weaning and these results might be regarded as a desired adaptation of the Imroz and Kivircik lambs to the environmental conditions of the Marmara Region.

Wool characteristics in the third generation of Arkharmerino × Ghezel and Arkharmerino × Moghani crossbreed sheep

“…Genotype did not affect FDV which is in agreement with the findings of Yilmaz et al (2003). Sex (P<0.01) and birth type (P<0.05) had significant effect on FDV.…”

“…Sheep meat, milk, and products are valued and generally preferred commodities. The value of indigenous breeds is for their ability to perform well under poor feeding and management conditions, which is possibly due to their genetic make-ups that fit in the evolving environmental conditions (Yilmaz et al 2003).…”

Carcass traits of improved and indigenous lamb breeds of North-Western Turkey under an intensive production system

“…Therefore sheep breeding in this region has to compete with field crops. Success in this competition will largely depend on the intensification of sheep breeding and, particularly, on improvements in quality lamb production (Yalcin, 1986;Yilmaz et al, 2004).…”

“…The dominant sheep breed in the region Kivircik is believed by the public to have a better meat quality and its meat is usually sold more expensively than that of all other indigenous breeds in Turkey. Chios has a semi-fat tail and is the most prolific dairy indigenous sheep breed carcaSS qualItY In turkISh lamb in Turkey (Yalcin, 1986;Yilmaz et al, 2004). Mature live weight in Turkish Merino and Ramlic ewes is 50-55 kg, whereas it is 35-45 kg in Kivircik, Chios and Imroz ewes (Yalcin, 1986).…”

Fiber Quality of Iranian Carpet-Wool Sheep Breeds

“…Sheep are well adapted to local environmental conditions (Yilmaz et al, 2003) and Iranian indigenous breeds are dual purpose in which wool comes second after meat production in the farmer's priority and sold in the local market. Wool produced by sheep breeds plays an important role both as an important source of income to farmers and as a supply of raw material for hand-woven carpet.…”