Performance of kajli sheep in Pakistan: Reproduction as influenced by environment

The objective of the present study was to estimate non-genetic factors influencing reproductive performance of kajli sheep in pakistan. data on 16,470 birth records of 5311 kajli ewes (ovis aries) maintained at the livestock experiment station khushab,and khizarabad during 1977-94 were utilized. the statistical analysis was carried out using harvey's mixed model least squares and maximum likelihood software. the influence of different environmental factors on reproductive traits of economic importance was also estimated through statistical analysis referred to as above. mean age and weight at first service were 644.8±2.79 days and 40.7±0.10 kg,respectively. weight at first service was 39.8±0.36 kg and 39.9±1.34 kg,whereas,the age at first service was 593.0±11.0 and 616.7±7.6 days at khushab and khizarabad stations,respectively. the analysis of variance revealed that the station,year and season of birth and weight at first service significantly (p<0.01) influenced age at first service. similarly station,year and season of birth,rearing rank and age were significant sources of variation for weight at first service. the average number of services per conception was 1.13±0.003 and it varied significantly due to station,year,season of birth and breeding weight. number of services per conception was 1.1±0.01 and 1.2±0.01 at the two stations respectively. the age at first lambing was also significantly (p<0.01) influenced by station,year and season of birth with an average value of 797.03±2.79 days. copyright 2010 zoological society of pakistan.