GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION OF SHEEP

The present study evaluated growth and reproduction parameters in relation to genetic and non-genetic factors of Djallonke sheep at Nzo-mossi farm in the Republic of Congo.The mean birth weight was 1.33±0.15 kg and 15.06±1.58 kg at six months. The mean age at first lambing was326.50±33.23 days and the mean lambing interval210.43±30.95 days. The fertility and fecundity rates were 65% and 147.06% respectively for a litter size of 1.38±0.69. Single born lambs had the highest birth and weaning weights with values of 1.95±0.13kg and 16.04±1.26kg respectively compared to lambs from triple births, which were born with 1±00kg and weaned at 14.76±0.86kg. Maternal age, sex, and season influenced the weight and average daily gain of lambs. Ewes of older age generally performed better than primiparous ewes. The heritability, repeatability, genetic and phenotypic correlations of production and reproductive traits of Djallonke sheep were estimated by the mother-fi model.