Effective factors on survival rate of Malya lambs (11/16 Akkaraman × 5/16 deutsches merinofleischschaf)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate effect of some factors on survival rate of Malya lambs. The survival rate of 302 lambs at different sex, birth weight, maternal age and birth type was determined. The effects of twins, maternal age, birth weight and sex on lamb survival rate until 180 d of age were investigated using the Chi-square test. The effects of twins, maternal age, and lamb sex on the survival rate were not significant, whereas the effect of birth weight was significant. The means of survival rates for 30 d, 60 d, 90 d, 120 d, and 180 d were 94.70%, 90.73%, 88.74%, 86.75% and 83.11%, respectively. Lambs having a birth weight of less than 4 kg showed a lower survival rate than those having higher birth weight. Effect of birth weight of survival rate in all age periods was statistically significant except those of 30 d. The main factor affecting survival rate until weaning was underweight at birth. Survival rate for 4 kg birth weight was the lowest limit value and the optimum birth weight value was 4-5 kg. The survival rate can increase obtaining optimal birth weight with improvements in feeding and care of pregnant ewes and additional special care of lambs with low birth weight.