Study Concerning the Growth Dynamics and Speed from Lambing up to 160 Days of Age in Norwegian White x Tzurcana Hybrid Lambs and Tzurcana Lambs
Abstract
The evaluation of the growth performances (body weight and growth speed) recorded by the F1 Norwegian White x Tzurcana (NWT) hybrid lambs, compared to those recorded by Tzurcana (Tu) pure breed lambs was the aim of our study. We developed the experiment, consisting in obtaining and monitoring both hybrid and pure breed lambs, in a private farm from the County of Sălaj. We carried out this study on 52 F1 hybrid lambs (NWT) and 32 Tzurcana pure breed lambs (control group) of both sexes, bred in the same conditions in experimental years, 2008 and 2009, respectively. We performed the breeding on pasture, together with dams, without concentrate supplements, up to 160 days of age, when we commercialized the young rams. We recorded the following traits: body weight at lambing, 60 days, 120 days, and 160 days of age, as well as the average daily gain during 0-60 days, 0-120 days, and 0-160 days of age, in both F1 hybrid lambs (NWT) and Tzurcana pure breed lambs (control group). Except difference concerning the lambing weight of male lambs, statistically not significant, the differences recorded between the average values of hybrids (NWT) and those of Tu lambs are statistically distinct or very significant in advantage of hybrids (the Student test) for all other analyzed traits.
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