Growth performance of Rahmani and Chios lambs weaned at different ages.

Abstract

Two hundred and sixty seven Rahmani and Chios lambs were used in this study to determine the effects of weaning age and environmental factors on the growth performance of Rahmani and Chios lambs. Weaning system had a significant effect on body weight at 3 and 4 month, after four months, the weaning systems did not differ significantly in terms of weight up to one year of age. Weaning system had a significant effect on average daily gain (ADG). Chios lambs were heavier significantly (P<0.01) than Rahmani lambs at all stages of growth. Breed of lambs did not differ significantly in ADG and total gain at all periods studied. Lambing year significantly affected body weights at all ages studied, except at one year of age. Lambing season and age of dam were not significant effect on body weight of lambs at birth and subsequent periods.