Evaluation and Comparing the Performance of Crossing Offspring between Afshari, Moghani, Shal and Varamini Ram Breeds and Varamini Ewe of Iran

In order to evaluate the performance of cross breed lambs resulted from crossing between Afshari, Moghani, Shal and Varamini ram breeds and Varamini ewe, the information on birth weight, weaning weight, daily weight gaining average from birth to weaning and information related to the performance of lambs fattening is used. Data analysis showed that male lambs compared with females had significantly higher birth weight. Birth weight of Shal and Moghani lambs had significant difference with Varaminies. The highest birth weight in this study was for Moghani lambs. Afshari lambs had higher weaning weight than genuine Varamini lambs and this difference was statistically significant and the highest weaning weight was for Afshari lambs. Among breed groups no significant difference observed for daily weight gain average. In the case of daily weight gain average during entire period of fattening, the highest amount recorded for lambs resulted from Varamini ewe with Afshari rams and the lowest amount was for lambs resulted from Varamini ewe and ram. Studying the effect of sex on daily weight gain in fattening condition revealed that there is a significant difference between males and females in all periods except the second weighing. There was significant difference in birth weight of male and female but there was no significant difference between male and female in weaning weight trait.  The impact of breed group on daily weight gain is significant. Birth type has a significant impact on daily weight gain. Sex has a non-significant impact on daily weight gain.