Crossbreeding Performances and Variation Factors of Beni Guil Sheep in Morocco. I. Ewe Reproduction and Lamb Survival and Preweaning Growth Traits

An analysis of reproduction, survival and growth performances was performed on 484 Beni Guil ewes and their 461 progeny obtained by pure breeding or crossbreeding with D’man, Ile de France and Lacaune sires from data collected during 1994-98 at the experimental station El Koudia of Inra, Morocco. The results showed that the sire breed had a highly significant effect on the fertility, litter weight and growth from birth to weaning, but had no significant effect on the litter size at lambing, and on lamb survival at birth and weaning. The Beni Guil breed had the lowest performances, except for fertility and lamb survival. Crossbreeding between Beni Guil females and Ile de France and Lacaune terminal sires produced the highest weights, daily gains and productivity. The ewe age and birth year were not significant for reproduction traits except for the litter weight at 90 days. Regardless of the age, single-born males had higher growth rates than females. The birth year had a significant effect on lambs’ weight performances. It was concluded that crossbreeding with Ile de France and Lacaune sires improved weight productivity per ewe in Morocco