Effects of crossbreeding of Romanov and Balouchi sheep on growth traits and carcass characteristics lambs

The objective of this study was to compare growth performance, birth and weaning body weights, and survivability between purebred Balouchi (n=53) and crossbred Balouchi×Romanov (n=114) lambs. In addition, carcass characteristics (n=24) were determined. Balouchi ewes were inseminated with Romanov semen to produce crossbred lambs. All experimental lambs were weaned at 77 d of age and slaughtered at 10 months of age. Birth body weight of the purebred Balouchi lambs was significantly greater than for the crossbred lambs (3.75 vs. 3.56 kg, P<0.01). However, weaning body weight and average daily gain from birth until weaning and slaughter were greater (P<0.05) for the crossbred lambs than for the purebred lambs. Slaughter body weight at 10-month age were not different brtween the tow groups  (P=0.08). Litter size was also increased by crossbreeding and using hormone (1.13 vs. 1.00), but lamb survivability was not different between the two groups. The fat yield decreased with crossbreeding. Crossbreeding increased (P<0.05) the weights of testis, liver, heart, and lung. It is concluded that crossbreeding Balouchi ewes with Romanov semen resulted in improved litter size, weaning and slaughter body weights, average daily gains from birth until weaning and slaughter, and carcass characteristics without affecting lamb survivability. Therefore, crossbreeding can be a profitable strategy to increase lamb (meat) production in Balouchi sheep.