The effect of non-genetic factors on growth traits in Dorper sheep managed intensively in Central Mexico
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The objective of this study was to establish the non-genetic factors which affect growth traits in Dorper lambs under intensive conditions. 990 birth weight records and 851 weaning weight data from a commercial sheep farm were used. A model containing the effects of year of birth, season of birth, birth status, dam´s age and gender was used for identification of factors affecting growth traits. Birth weight was highest (P<0.05) in summer (4.0±0.7 kg) and lowest in winter and spring (3.7±0.8 kg). Male lambs excelled females in birth weight (3.9±0.7 vs. 3.7±0.8 kg), weaning weight (33.4±5.8 vs. 31.3±5.4 kg) and average daily gain (328±63 vs. 309±57 g). Young dams produced offspring with a lower (P<0.05) birth weight (3.6±0.8 vs 3.9±0.8 kg) and weaning weight (30.9±5.8 vs 32.3±5.9 - 33.6±5.4 kg) than older ewes. It was concluded that important influences of environmental factors on growth traits were identified for Dorper lambs.