Genetic and non-genetic effect on fertility trait of different ram breeds reared in the highland of North-Shewa, Ethiopia

Shenkute Goshme, Sandip Banerjee, Mourad Rekik, Aynalem Haile, Tesfaye Getachew. (1/5/2020). Genetic and non-genetic effect on fertility trait of different ram breeds reared in the highland of North-Shewa, Ethiopia. livestock research for development, 32 (5).

Abstract

The aim was to investigate genetic and non-genetic factors influencing fertility of rams. The fertility study encompassed 155 rams of different breed mated to 14,357 ewes over several years, seasons, locations and genotypes. Data were obtained from Amedguya Sheep Breeding and Multiplication center (ASBMC), Debre Birhan Sheep Breeding and Multiplication center (DBSBMC). The influences of genetic and non-genetic factors on fertility trait of the rams were analyzed using non-parametric tests. Animal model were used for the estimation of genetic parameters using WOMBAT®. The fertility rate of Awassi, Awassi x Menz, Menz and Dorper rams were 45.4, 53.4, 84.8 and 70.6% respectively. Fertility rate among the Menz rams was not influenced by season, contrary to the Awassi, Awassi x Menz and Dorper rams. Heritability estimates for fertility of Awassi, rams were 0.1. It can be concluded that, Awassi rams and Awassi x Menz crossbred had lower fertility across seasons and location studied. These indicated that further investigation would be needed to identify the cause of low fertility in Awassi breed.