Abstract

KRIDLI, Rami T.; ABDULLAH, A.Y.; ROUSAN, L.M.  and  GONZALEZ-BULNES, A.. Awassi sheep production systems and reproductive performance: an experience from the middle east. Rev. Chapingo ser. cienc. for. ambient [online]. 2011, vol.17, n.spe, pp.63-75. ISSN 2007-4018.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchscfa.2010.09.085.

Jordan is a predominantly semi arid country. Much of the land area is uncultivable and can only be used as a range for grazing small ruminants. Fat tailed Awassi is the indigenous sheep breed of Jordan. The breed is popular for many reasons such as the adaptability to harsh ecosystems, milk production ability and having favorable meat flavor and characteristics. The sheep industry in Jordan faces many challenges, the most important of which is water shortage leading to low forage availability and high feed prices. Despite such hardships, efforts are made to improve productivity of Awassi sheep through selection, veterinary care, evaluating alternative feed sources and hormonal treatments to improve fertility and fecundity. This review highlights the major research conducted on Awassi sheep in Jordan over the last decade with special emphasis on reproductive performance.

Keywords : Grazing; forage; fertility.