Characterization of the Sardi Sheep Breed in Morocco
2003
A. Chikhi | I. Boujenane
A total of 811 reproduction records, 1430 fleece weights, 1024 growth and viability records, and 154 fattening and carcass quality records of Sardi sheep were analyzed. Data were collected over seven periods from 1993-1994 to 1999- 2000 at Deroua Experimental Station of INRA. Average gestation length of Sardi ewes was 151 days, fertility rate was 98%, litter sizes at birth and at weaning (90 days) were 1.29 and 1.25 lambs, respectively, and litter weights at birth and at weaning were 5.30 and 27.9 kg, respectively. Lamb weight was 4.10 kg at birth, 10.9 kg at 30 days and 22.5 kg at 90 days. Average daily gain was 224 g from birth to 30 days and 194 g from 30 to 90 days. The mortality rate of lambs from birth to 90 days was 7%. After an average fattening period of 66.4 days, the average daily gain of Sardi lambs born single was 283 g and feed efficiency averaged 4.87 kg of feed per kilogram of weight gained. Slaughtered at 168 days of age on average, slaughter weight of lambs averaged 45.5 kg, hot carcass weight 23.2 kg, dressing percentage 50.9%, and weight of kidney fat 295 g. It was concluded that the Sardi breed had high potential that could be developed to increase meat production in Morocco.
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