scholarly journals The accumulative effect of Finnsheep breeding in crossbreeding schemes

1988 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 481-491
Author(s):  
M. H. Fahmy

Finnsheep (F) was used in a crossbreeding project to improve overall productivity of the DLS breed. Productive and reproductive traits of seven crossbred combinations ranging from 1/8F to 7/8F breeding were compared to those of the two parental breeds. Suffolk rams were used to mate all ewes (361) for five parturitions (1312 records). Ovulation rate (OR) and litter size (LS) at birth for all the groups increased progressively as F breeding increased. The 4/8F ewes weaned the heaviest litters. Percentage of ova lost per ewe mated ranged from 18 % to 29 %. Preweaning mortality rate was highest in F ewes. Total kg of lambs weaned per ewe exposed was highest in 4/8F followed by F whereas that of DLS was lowest. The 4/8F exhibited 25 % heterosis (H) in kg of lambs weaned per ewe exposed. The linear regressions of OR (b = .24), of LS at birth (b = .14) and at weaning (b = .08) on proportion of F breeding in crosses were significant. The regressions were quadratic for percent ova lost and lamb mortality at weaning. The crosses showed positive H in grease fleece weight (GFW), the highest being expressed by the 4/8F and 5/8F crosses. Significant linear relationships were observed between F breeding and GFW (2nd shearing), fiber thickness and variability in both fiber length and fiber thickness, whereas the relationships of F breeding with GFW (3rd and later shearings), clean wool percentage and fiber length were quadratic. Most of the crosses exhibited positive H particularly in clean wool percentage and in staple and fiber length. H was often highest in the 4/8F cross. Genetic group of dam had a significant effect on age at slaughter, leg, loin and kidney fat as a percent of the carcass, lean, fat and bone percent of the 12th rib and fat thickness over loin-eye muscle. A significant linear relationship existed between most of these carcass measurements and the proportion of F breeding in the lambs’ dam.

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
MOHAMED H. FAHMY

Wool fibers grown on 2 cm2 of skin were removed from the shoulder region of 273 female yearlings born at La Pocatiere Experimental Farm over a period of 3 yr. The yearlings represented nine genetic groups, Finnsheep, DLS (a population of 1/2 Dorset, 1/4 Leicester, 1/4 Suffolk) and seven combinations ranging from 1/8 to 7/8 Finnsheep breeding. The traits studied were staple length, fiber density, clean wool percentage, fiber length and thickness and their variability. Grease fleece weight (GFW) was recorded at first shearing on the 273 yearlings and on an additional 90 female yearlings. GFW was subsequently recorded at yearly intervals up to the 5th shearing. GFW of Finnsheep (F) was 2.3 kg for yearlings and averaged 2.0 kg for older ewes compared to 2.3 and 2.8 kg for the DLS, respectively. The crosses showed positive deviations from the expected means of their parental breeds, the highest was expressed in the [Formula: see text] and 5/8F crosses, GFW exceeded in many crosses that of the better parental breed. The relationship between GFW and the proportion of Finnsheep in the genetic group was linear in second shearing and curvilinear for later shearings. Significant linear relations were also observed in fiber thickness and variability in both fiber length and fiber thickness, whereas significant curvilinear relations were observed in clean wool percentage and fiber length. Compared to DLS, Finnsheep had a higher fiber density (1950 vs. 1551 cm−2), fibers were longer (19.1 vs. 15.8 cm) more variable in length (SD = 4.66 vs. 2.96 cm), finer (20.5 vs. 25.5 μm, and uniform in fiber thickness (SD = 4.8 vs. 5.9 μm), these differences being statistically significant. Most of the crosses exhibited positive heterosis particularly in clean wool percentage, staple and fiber length. The highest heterosis was often manifested in the [Formula: see text] cross. Key words: Wool production, fleece characteristics, crossbreeding, heterosis, Finnsheep, DLS sheep


1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
MOHAMED H. FAHMY

Growth and carcass data were collected on 252 multiple-born lambs representing 11 genetic groups, fed either high-energy mainly concentrate ration or low-energy mainly roughage ration and slaughtered at either 32 or 41 kg liveweight. The lambs were the progeny of Suffolk rams mated to Suffolk, Finnsheep (F), DLS (1/2 Dorset, 1/4 Leicester, 1/4 Suffolk) ewes and ewes from seven F-DLS crosses ranging between 1/8F-7/8DLS (1/8F) to 7/8F-1/8DLS (7/8F) in addition to DLS × DLS lambs. The effect of genetic group was significant for gain to 32 kg, dressing percentage, leg, loin, shoulder and kidney fat percentage of the carcass, lean, fat and bone percentage of the 12th rib and fat thickness over the loin-eye muscle. A significant linear relationship was calculated between five of the measurements and the proportion of F breeding in the lambs' dam. Finnsheep ewes produced $6.39 worth of retailed lambs for each kilogram of their liveweight, compared to $3.64 for Suffolks and $3.28 for DLS. The advantage of the F crosses in retail value compared to Suffolk ranged from 47 (7/8F) to 11% (2/8F). Lambs fed concentrate ration and slaughtered at 41 kg liveweight were significantly fatter and larger than those fed roughages and slaughtered at 32 kg. Sex of the lamb had significant effect on all the traits studied except on color, area of loin-eye and carcass dimensions. Interactions between genotype and treatments were generally nonsignificant whereas sex × slaughter weight and sex × feeding treatment were significant on many traits studies. Key words: Finnsheep corsses, growth, carcass traits, DLS sheep, Suffolk, feeding treatment, slaughter weight


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihun Choi ◽  
Hansol Lee ◽  
Bokyeong Sohn ◽  
Minjae Song ◽  
Sangmin Jeon

AbstractWe developed a 3D solar steam generator with the highest evaporation rate reported so far using a carbonized luffa sponge (CLS). The luffa sponge consisted of entangled fibers with a hierarchically porous structure; macropores between fibers, micro-sized pores in the fiber-thickness direction, and microchannels in the fiber-length direction. This structure remained after carbonization and played an important role in water transport. When the CLS was placed in the water, the microchannels in the fiber-length direction transported water to the top surface of the CLS by capillary action, and the micro-sized pores in the fiber-thickness direction delivered water to the entire fiber surface. The water evaporation rate under 1-sun illumination was 3.7 kg/m2/h, which increased to 14.5 kg/m2/h under 2 m/s wind that corresponded to the highest evaporation rate ever reported under the same condition. The high evaporation performance of the CLS was attributed to its hierarchically porous structure. In addition, it was found that the air temperature dropped by 3.6 °C when the wind passed through the CLS because of the absorption of the latent heat of vaporization. The heat absorbed by the CLS during water evaporation was calculated to be 9.7 kW/m2 under 1-sun illumination and 2 m/s wind, which was 10 times higher than the solar energy irradiated on the same area (1 kW/m2).


1978 ◽  
Vol 18 (93) ◽  
pp. 505
Author(s):  
FJ Mickan ◽  
SA Spiker ◽  
RH Hallett

Charolais sires were mated to Jersey dams and the progeny compared with Friesians for vealer (33 weeks) and steer (90 weeks) beef production. Nurse cows double-suckled one vealer of each breed. No significant difference in growth to slaughter between the Charolais x Jersey (C x J) and Friesian (0.79, 0.70 kg day-1 respectively) was recorded. The C x J vealers produced a significantly heavier carcase. Neither breed had sufficient fat cover (< 0.3 mm) for vealer production. No breed difference existed in the edible meat and fat proportions but the Friesian carcase had a larger percentage of bone. C x J had a significantly greater proportion of hindquarter in the carcase than the Friesian but no breed difference was recorded for either high or low priced cuts. Plunketting showed no difference in milk intake between breeds, but 24-hourly observations revealed that the C x J animals were usually the first to arrive at and last to leave the suckled cow. Steers double-suckled to weaning (1 2 weeks) and then run together until slaughtering gained 0.56 kg animal-1 day-1. There was no breed difference in carcase weights but the C x J had a significantly higher dressing percentage (53.1 vs. 50.5) and 25.3 per cent greater area of eye muscle. Again, fat thickness of the C x J (2.1 mm) and Friesian (1.8 mm) was far below the optimum (7-10 mm) required for the local market.


1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
MOHAMED H. FAHMY ◽  
JACQUES J. DUFOUR

Reproductive performance and body weight were studied on 361 ewes, representing Finnsheep (F), DLS (a population of 1/2 Dorset, 1/4 Leicester, 1/4 Suffolk) and seven combinations ranging from 1/8 to 7/8 Finnsheep breeding. Conception rate in yearlings was 61.5% for DLS compared to 89.0% for F with the crosses being intermediate. Conception rate in older ewes was similar in the different genetic groups (avg. 94%). Ovulation rate and litter size at birth of DLS ewes were 1.72 and 1.44 lambs, which was less than half those of F ewes (3.51 and 2.86 lambs, respectively). Both traits increased progressively with an increase in F breeding in crosses and with advances in age. DLS ewes weaned 1.22 lambs compared to 2.03 lambs for F ewes and 1.84 lambs for 4/8 F ewes. The heaviest litters at weaning (31.7 kg) were raised by 4/8 F ewes, followed by 7/8 F (30.8 kg) while those raised by DLS ewes weighed 23.0 kg and F ewes 29.1 kg. Percentage of ova lost per ewe mated averaged 24% and ranged between 18% (DLS and 1/8 F) and 29% (6/8 F). About 3.6% of lambs were born dead and a further 13.8% died before weaning. Preweaning mortality rate was highest in F (22.9%) and lowest in 3/8 F (9.4%). Average kilograms of lambs weaned per ewe exposed was highest in 4/8 F (27.6 kg) followed by F (26.0 kg), whereas that of DLS was the lowest at 18.1 kg. The 4/8 F cross showed 25% heterosis in kg of lambs weaned per ewe exposed and 52.5% increase over DLS. Significant positive linear regressions were calculated for ovulation rate, litter size and preweaning mortality rate on proportion of Finnsheep breeding in crosses. The relation was quadratic for percent ova lost and lamb mortality at weaning. Yearling DLS females weighted 36 kg compared to 44 kg for F yearlings. However, at 5 yr of age DLS ewes weighed 62 kg, 5 kg heavier than F ewes. The heaviest ewes at all ages were the 4/8 F (45 kg at 1 yr, 65 kg at 5 yr). Key words: Reproduction, DLS sheep, Finnsheep, crossbreeding, heterosis, repeatabilities


2003 ◽  
Vol 2003 ◽  
pp. 147-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Moradi-Shaharbabak ◽  
A. Mohammadi ◽  
S. R. Miraei-Ashtiani

The Breeding Center of Raeini (BCR) cashmere goats was established in 1965 in Kerman province, with a base population of 120, 8 and 42 does, bucks, and kids respectively. Some new animals have been introduced to the BCR population in some periods of time, and selected males have been sold out to the local breeders each year. Animals have been selected based on their phenotypic performance for fleece weight (FW) and fleece color (FC-white), and body weight (BW). Mating system has been planned based on non-relative mating, but some relative mating has been occurred. Inbreeding depression is one of the most important empact of having inbreeding in a population (Miglior and Burnside 1995). A decrease of 0.8% in fiber length and 6.3% in longevity per 10% increase of inbreeding coefficient in cashmere goats has been reported (Deb 1998). The objective of this study was to estimate the animals inbreeding coefficient and to explore the impact of inbreeding on some economic traits in Raeini cashmere goats.


Author(s):  
M. Sarma ◽  
R. Islam ◽  
M. K. Borah ◽  
P. Sharma ◽  
J. D. Mahanta ◽  
...  

A study was conducted covering a total of one hundred chicken farmers in tribal dominated Boko Block of Kamrup district in Assam to assess different productive and reproductive traits of Desi, Vanaraja and Srinidhi birds under field condition. Information was obtained on mean body weight at various ages, age at first egg, annual egg production, fertility and hatchability and mortality rate. Body weight, egg production and egg weight were significantly (P£0.05) higher in Vanaraja and Srinidhi birds compared to Desi chicken. The age at first egg was significantly (P£0.05) higher in Desi chicken while compared with Vanaraja and Srinidhi under traditional system of management. However no significant (P£0.05) difference was found between Vanaraja and Srinidhi in their body weight and egg production at various ages. Higher mortality percent in Vanaraja (12.23±1.62) and Srinidhi (11.34±1.23) were recorded during 0 to 5 week. No significant (P£0.05) differences were found among all three groups of birds in fertility and hatchability.


1981 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 641 ◽  
Author(s):  
IP Gregory ◽  
RW Ponzoni

During the years 1953-67 one flock of South Australian Merinos was selected on clean fleece weight (the Index flock) and another on the basis of visual appraisal (the Visual flock). A large number of qualitative and quantitative traits were recorded. Linear regressions of differences between flock means on time were estimated for each trait; not many of the regressions were significant. However, greasy and clean fleece weights of Index animals increased significantly faster than those of Visual animals, and body weights of Visual animals increased significantly faster than those of Index animals. Realized selection differentials were estimated for all traits. There were significant selection differentials for greasy and clean fleece weights and yield in the Index flock, and for body weight and greasy fleece weight in the Visual flock. The response to selection was estimated for all traits by using two methods; regression of the trait on an individual's generation number, and comparison of the deviation from the overall mean of the mean of the progeny of a 3+-year-old sire with the deviation of the progeny of the same sire as a 2+-year-old. The estimate of genetic change in body weight was higher and genetic changes in clean and greasy fleece weights lower in Index animals, which was in contrast with an earlier result. However, when the least-squares means of these traits were compared, it was concluded that the Index flock did, in fact, achieve significantly greater responses in greasy and clean fleece weights and a significantly lower response in body weight than the Visual flock. It was therefore considered that, in these particular experiments, both methods of estimating genetic change had serious limitations.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gertruida L. van Wyk ◽  
Louwrens C. Hoffman ◽  
Phillip E. Strydom ◽  
Lorinda Frylinck

Weaner male Boer Goats (BG; n = 36; 21 bucks and 15 wethers) and large frame Indigenous Veld Goats (IVG; n = 41; 21 bucks and 20 wethers) were raised on hay and natural grass ad libitum and the recommended amount of commercial pelleted diet to a live weight between 30 and 35 kg. Carcass quality characteristics (live weight, carcass weights, dressing %, chilling loss and eye muscle area) were measured. The right sides of the carcasses were divided into wholesale cuts and dissected into subcutaneous fat, meat and bone. Large frame Indigenous Veld Goat (IVG) wethers were slightly lighter than the IVG bucks with no significant difference observed between BG. Wethers compared to bucks had higher dressing %, subcutaneous fat % in all primal cuts, intramuscular fat %, kidney fat % and, overall, slightly less bone %. Some breed–wether interactions were noticed: IVG wethers were slightly lighter than the IVG bucks, but the IVG bucks tended to produce higher % meat compared to other test groups. Judged on the intramuscular fat % characteristics, it seems as if wethers should produce juicier and more flavorsome meat compared to bucks.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smith G. Nkhata ◽  
Theresa Nakoma-Ngoma ◽  
Praise M Chilenga

Abstract SARS-CoV 2 continues to disproportionately kill people across the world. To understand the reasons for such heterogeneity, we isolated dietary and environmental factors that can either prime or suppress human immunity. We grouped phytochemical and micronutrient rich food (fruits, vegetable and spices) as immunity primers while smoking, alcohol consumption, pollution, high calorie intake and diabetes as immunity suppressing factors and determined correlations with Covid-19 death per million populations (C19DM) using multiple linear regressions or where necessary, best fit trend lines. We also determined correlations between life expectancy alone or in combination with other factors and C19DM. Based on the data, we found no evidence that immunity primers explain C19DM heterogeneity across countries. This observation did not change even after including immunity suppressing factors in the models. Of all the factors under study, life expectancy (years), calorie intake (Kcal/person/day) and prevalence of diabetes (%) had significant association with C19DM (R2 = 0.301, p < 0.000). Therefore, these three factors should be further explored when trying to understand Covid-19 disproportionate mortality across countries.


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