Abstract

MONTALDO, Hugo Horacio et al. Growth and reproductive performance of Poll Dorset and Suffolk sheep under intensive conditions. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.4, pp.359-369. ISSN 2448-6698.

With the aim of comparing Poll Dorset and Suffolk breeds, data collected between 2000 and 2003 in a flock in Huitzilac, Morelos; Mexico were used. Data analyzed using mixed linear models included preweaning growth traits (n>113 for Poll Dorset and n>567 for Suffolk), postweaning growth traits (n>72 for Poll Dorset and n>208 for Suffolk), and reproductive traits (n>120 for Poll Dorset and n>290 for Suffolk). Suffolk had higher weights at birth (8.1 %) (4.94 vs 4.57 kg) and at weaning (9.5 %) (25.57 vs 23.35 kg), higher preweaning average daily gain (11.1 %) (0.30 vs 0.27 kg, from 0 to 67 d of age) and postweaning average daily gain (28.6 %) (0.18 vs 0.14 kg from 76 to 182 d of age), compared to Poll Dorset (P<0.01). Suffolk had also greater litter size at birth (5.8 %) (1.63 vs 1.54 lambs), at weaning (5.2 %) (1.41 vs 1.34 lambs), and higher litter weights at birth (3.8 %) (7.44 vs 7.17 kg) and at weaning (12.3 %) (36.37 vs 32.40 kg), compared to Poll Dorset (P<0.01). Suffolk had a greater number of services per conception (17.5 %) (1.34 vs 1.14) than Poll Dorset (P<0.01), while no differences were found between breeds for gestation length (P=0.1892). It is concluded that Suffolk breed has a higher potential for growth and reproductive performance traits than Poll Dorset, under stall fed conditions in the Valley of Mexico, except for the number of services per conception.

Keywords : Sheep; Breeds; Growth; Reproduction; Suffolk; Poll Dorset.