https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e33283
Received: 20/06/2023 Accepted: 01/08/2023 Published: 17/08/2023
1 of 7
Revista Científica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIII, rcfcv-e33283
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out on Bafra (Chios × Karayaka) breed to
determine the fertility characteristics of sheep, growth performance,
survivability and carcass weights of lambs. For this purpose, the
reproductive characteristics of 600 sheep aged 2–5 years and the
survivability of 1,150 lambs born from these sheep were determined.
In addition, the growth performance characteristics, slaughter, and
carcass weights of 65 lambs born from 38 randomly selected ewes
3–4 years old were determined. In the study, the pregnancy rate was
90.00%, the birth rate was 87.16%, singleness 15.00%, twins 80.00%,
and triplet 5.00%, lamb yield per ewe 1.90, number of lambs per birth
2.20 was calculated. Birth and weaning (90
th
d) weights as well as
61–90
th
d of live weight gains of male and female lambs were found as
4.26 and 3.57 kg, 24.15 and 21.32 kg, 265.75 and 231.72 g, respectively.
The 120
th
d survivability, slaughter and carcass weights and carcass
yields of lambs were determined as 97.74%, 47.10 kg, 21.61 kg and
45.92%, respectively. As a result, although the Bafra sheep is a breed
that can be recommended to be raised in terms of the characteristics
discussed, more scientic research is needed on it.
Key words: Bafra sheep; growth performance; reproductive
characteristics; lamb; survivability
RESUMEN
Este estudio se llevó a cabo en la raza Bafra (Chios × Karayaka)
para determinar las características de fertilidad de las ovejas, el
rendimiento del crecimiento, la supervivencia y los pesos de las
canales de los corderos. Para ello, se determinaron las características
reproductivas de 600 ovejas de 2 a 5 años y la supervivencia de 1.150
corderos nacidos de estas ovejas. Además, se determinaron las
características de rendimiento de crecimiento, sacricio y peso en
canal de 65 corderos nacidos de 38 ovejas de 3–4 años seleccionadas
al azar. En el estudio, la tasa de preñez fue del 90,00%, la tasa de
natalidad fue del 87,16%, los partos unicos del 15,00%, partos dobles
del 80,00% y partos triples del 5,00%, la producción de corderos por
oveja fue de 1,90, el número de corderos por nacimiento se calculó
2,20. Los pesos al nacer y al destete (día 90), así como las ganancias
de peso vivo a los días 61–90 de los corderos machos y hembras
correspondieron a 4,26 y 3,57 kg; 24,15 y 21,32 kg; 265,75 y 231,72 g,
respectivamente. La supereciencia del cordero a los 120 días, el peso
de la canal y el sacricio y al rendimiento de la canal de los corderos
fueron de 97,74 %, 47,10 kg, 21,61 kg y 45,92 %, respectivamente. Como
resultado, aunque la oveja Bafra es una raza que se puede recomendar
para ser criada en términos de las características discutidas, se
necesita más investigación cientíca al respecto.
Palabras clave: Ovejas Bafra; rendimiento de crecimiento;
características reproductivas; cordero;
supervivencia
Reproductive and productive characteristics in Bafra (Chios × Karayaka)
ewes, growth, carcass performance and survivability of lambs
Características reproductivas y productivas en ovejas Bafra (Chios × Karayaka), crecimiento,
rendimiento de la canal y supervivencia de los corderos
Abdurrahman Köseman
1
* ,Selim Kul
2
, İbrahim Şeker
3
, Sezgin Koçyiğit
4
, Mehmet Karaca
5
1
Malatya Turgut Özal University, Battalgazi Vocational School, Plant and Animal Production Department. Malatya, Turkey.
2
Yozgat Bozok University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Zootechny. Yozgat, Turkey.
3
Fırat University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Zootechny. Elazığ, Turkey.
4
Doğanşehir District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Malatya, Turkey.
5
Elazig Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Elazığ, Turkey.
*Corresponding author: abdurrahman.koseman@ozal.edu.tr
Reproductive Characteristics in Bafra Ewes / Köseman et al. _______________________________________________________________________
2 of 7
INTRODUCTION
Sheep (Ovis aries) breeding is the most important source of
income and nutritional safety for the majority of the rural population,
especially in developing Countries [1]. Sheep meat is one of the most
important yields obtained from farm animals for human health and
consumption [2].
Reproductive performance and survivability of the lambs are among
the most important factors that affect the income of sheep breeding.
The number of lambs born per ewe is an economically important
feature in a farm. Therefore, a lot of effort should be made to care for
pregnant sheep and lambs before, during and after breeding. Some
of the main factors affecting the viability of lambs are birth type,
gender and birth weight. High lamb mortality rates are observed,
until weaning in particular [3].
Sheep productivity, ie; the total number or weight of weaned lambs
per breeding sheep is an important indicator of lamb production
eciency [4]. Since the prot from lambs depends on the number
of lambs growing and developing and their live weight, the lower
the number of lamb losses observed until the weaning period, the
higher the numbers of fertility criteria in the rearing period become
effective economically [5].
The characteristics that determine growth are birth weight and live
weight at various periods. Birth weight is important both in terms of
its effect on the growth rate of lambs in the postpartum period and
in terms of expressing the production power of the mother. Birth
weight is higher in the male gender compared to the female gender,
and in singlets compared to twins. In addition, birth type plays a more
active role in birth weight than gender [6, 7].
Bafra sheep is a breed obtained by crossbreeding the Chios and
Karayaka breeds, and this was registered in 2010. In these crossbreeding
studies, it was aimed to obtain a new breed by combining the meat
quality, high fertility and milk yield characteristics of the Chios breed,
and the ability of the Karayaka breed to adapt to the conditions of the
Black Sea Region in Türkiye. One of the important features of this
breed is that it was obtained using two different indigenous breeds.
It is cultivated in the Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, and
Aegean and Mediterranean Regions in Türkiye [8].
It was observed in a study that Bafra genotype was generally
similar to domestic breeds in terms of fattening performance and
carcass characteristics. It has been reported that this genotype is
an important contribution to increasing lamb meat production since
the fertility of the Bafra genotype is high and the milk yield is at a level
that can feed the lambs [9].
Although some studies have been carried out in different regions
and places related to Bafra sheep in Türkiye, have not detected
sucient studies to determine the reproductive characteristics,
survival power, growth performance and carcass weights under
Eastern Anatolia conditions.
This research was conducted to determine the reproductive and
productive characteristics of Bafra (Chios × Karayaka) breed sheep
and the viability, growth performance, slaughter and carcass weights
of the lambs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The animals of the study consisted of Bafra breed sheep and lambs.
In the study, the progeny yield characteristics of 600 sheep in the
farm with a total of 1,600 animals were determined in the 2020–
2021 breeding period. The age range of the ewes was 2–5 years, the
number of rams was 40 heads, the age range of rams was 3–7 years,
and the frequency of ram change of the farm was 3 years. The ram
participation period was between mid–August to the end of October
and free overtaking was applied as an overshoot method.
In order to determine the performances birth weight, live weight,
growth and survival ability of the lambs in the 120–d growth period,
65 lambs born in the very close period (within 1–2 d) from 38 mothers
aged 3–4 years were randomly selected. In addition, 20 lambs were
used to determine the slaughter, carcass weight and carcass yields
of male lambs aged 180 d.
Methods
Care and feeding of animals
The maintenance and feeding of the sheep were carried out in
semi–intensive conditions. Ewes and rams were gradually fed with
500 g of barley and corn mix concentrate feed per animal in addition
to pasture (Medicago sativa, Agropyron spp., Poa pratensis, Trifolium
repens, Festuca ovina among others, mix) about two months before
the study period. Mating of ewes was carried out by the method of
free selection from mid–August to the end of October in 2020. Ewes
began to give birth in mid–January 2021, and births continued until
mid–March. The lambs were kept with their mothers for 3–4 d after
birth, and then separated from their mothers and breastfed twice a
d in the morning and evening.
The roughage needs of the ewes were met within the scope of
their operating opportunities and the forage needs were met with
feed containing 2.600 kcal·kg
-1
ME (Metabolic Energy) and 16% HP
(Crude Protein). From the third week on, the lambs were given dry
clover and lamb growth feed containing 2.800 kcal·kg
-1
ME and 18%
HP as incisive feed.
Determination of reproductive characteristics in ewes
The fertility criteria discussed in the study were calculated using
the following formulas: Akçapınar [10].
○
Birth rate in sheep = (number of ewe giving birth / number of
ewe under ram),
○
Single birth rate = (number of ewe giving birth / number of ewe
giving birth),
○ Twin birth rate = (number of ewe giving birth to twins / number
of ewe giving birth),
○
Triple birth rate = (number of ewe giving birth to triplets / number
of ewe giving birth),
○ Number of lambs to a birth = (number of lambs born / number
of ewe giving birth),
○
Lamb productivity = (number of lambs born / number of ewe
under rams)
______________________________________________________________________Revista Cientifica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIII, rcfcv-e33283
3 of 7
Determination of survivability in lambs
In this study, the survivability of the lambs (number of living lambs
/ number of lambs born alive) within the weaning period (120
th
d) were
determined.
Determination of growth in lambs
The lambs were weighed and numbered within the rst 24 h after
birth. Birth weight, birth type, gender of the lambs and the numbers
given to the mothers they were born from were recorded. From the
second week on, the lambs were given lamb rearing feed starting
with 50 g per d, which was gradually increased, as well as dry clover
to get used to roughage. The lambs were begun to be taken out to
pasture by 90 d and were completely weaned by 120 d.
In the study, the birth weights of the lambs were recorded on Asus
Notebook (X542UR–GQ436T Intel® Core i5–8250U, Asus, Taipei) in order
to follow the growth characteristics of lambs for 120 d following birth
and then their live weights were determined once a month by fasting 12
h prior to weighing. The slaughter weights were determined on the 120th
d; a 50 g precision scale (CAS DB II, CAS, Türkiye)was used for weighing.
Determination of slaughter weight and carcass yield of lambs
Some of the male lambs of 180 d of age, raised in the farm, are sold
as butchery due to market conditions. For this purpose, 20 lambs
that had reached the age of 180 d were randomly selected and the
slaughter weights and hot carcass yield values were also determined.
○ Hot carcass yield = hot carcass weight (kg) / slaughter weight
(kg) × 100
Statistical analysis
Within the scope of the research, the descriptive statistics of
the features examined were calculated. For each character, data
compliance with the normal distribution analysis was performed.
It was evaluated whether they complied with the parametric test
assumptions or not. The ewe's reproductive characteristics, lambs'
viability, mortality rates, slaughter and carcass weights and carcass
yields were calculated.
In the study, the effects of birth type and gender on the birth weight
average live weight at various periods and the mean live weight
gains of lambs were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM)
procedure and the two–way variance analysis utilizing the following
mathematical model [11]:
Mathematical model:
yk = µ + ai + bj + (ab) + ek,
♦
y = the observational value of the property under consideration,
♦ μ = Mean value among the population
♦ a = effect of gender (1: male, 2: female),
♦ b = effect of birth type (1: single birth, 2: twin birth, 3: triplet
birth),
♦
(a*b) = effect of the interaction between gender and birth type,
♦ e = random error N, (O, σ2)
The Duncan multiple comparison test was used for multiple
groups’ comparisons between birth types for the parameters where
TABLE I
Reproductive characteristics in Bafra ewes
Variable n %
Ewe under ram 600 –
Pregnant ewe 540 –
Conception rate – 90.00
Sheep giving birth 523 –
Abort rate 17 3.15
Birth rate – 87.16
Lambs born 1,150 –
Male lamb 603 52.43
Female lamb 547 47.57
Single birth rate – 15.00
Twin birth rate – 80.00
Triplet birth rate – 5.00
Lamb yield – 190.00
Lambs per birth 2.20 –
signicance was determined [12]. The SPSS [13] program package
was used in all statistical calculations and tests. The signicance
level was accepted as P<0.05
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Characteristics of reproductive in ewes
In the study, the pregnancy rate in Bafra ewes was calculated as
90.00%, and the birth rate was calculated as 87.16%. According to
the ndings obtained, single birth among Bafra ewes was 15.00%,
twin birth was 80.00%, triplet birth was 5.00%, lamb productivity
per ewe was 1.90 and the number of lambs per birth was 2.20. Some
of the fertility characteristics of Bafra ewes identied in the study
have been presented in TABLE I.
In the studies conducted by Adıgüzel Işık and Aksoy [14] and Güngör
and Akçapınar [15] in Bafra ewes, the birth rates were determined
as 75.24 and 93.1%, respectively. In these studies, single, twin and
triplet birth rates were observed to be 37.66, 57.28 and 4.75% in the
study of Adıgüzel Işık and Aksoy [14], and as 48.3, 38.3 and 13.4 % by
Güngör and Akçapnar [15], respectively. In addition, the lamb yield in
Bafra ewes was calculated to be 125.24 and 155.6% by Adıgüzel Işık
and Aksoy [14], and Güngör and Akçapınar [15], respectively. On the
other hand, the viability in weaning was determined to be 80.0% by
Adıgüzel Işık and Aksoy [14].
In a study conducted by Özarslan [16] on Bafra ewes, the birth rate was
calculated as 86.70%; the single birth rate was 15.40%, the twin birth
rate was 50.00%, and the birth rate of triplets and above was 34.60%.
The birth rate was determined by Ünal et al. [ 17 ] as 92.3 and 93.7%
in Karayaka and Bafra ewes, and 87.0, 77.0 and 31.0% by Notter et al.
[4] in Romanov–White Dorper × Rambouillet, Polypay and Rambouillet
breeds, respectively.
Reproductive Characteristics in Bafra Ewes / Köseman et al. _______________________________________________________________________
4 of 7
The number of lambs obtained in the Bafra ewes was reported to
be 1.66, 2.31 and 1.67 lambs heads by Adıgüzel Işık and Aksoy [14],
Özarslan [16] and Güngör and Akçapınar, [15], respectively; it was
determined by Ünal et al. [17] to be 1.08 and 1.78 heads in Karayaka
and Bafra breeds, respectively.
The birth rate determined in this study conducted by us was higher
compared to the ndings observed in the studies of Adıgüzel Işık ve
Aksoy [14], Notter et al. [4] and Özarslan [16], and lower compared
to the ndings observed in the studies of Güngör and Akçapınar [15]
and Ünal et al. [17].
The single birth rate determined in this study was lower than that
determined by Özarslan [16], Adıgüzel Işık and Aksoy [14], Güngör
and Akçapınar [15], the twin birth rate was higher than those of all
three studies, and the triplet birth rate was higher than that obtained
by Adıgüzel Işık and Aksoy [14], and lower than that determined by
Güngör and Akçapınar [15] and Özarslan [16].
The lamb productivity and the number of lambs per birth determined
in our research were higher compared to some of the literature
reports [14, 15, 17], but lower than the value reported by Özarslan
[16] for the number of lambs at one birth.
It is thought that the differences determined in the reproductive
characteristics between the research material, Bafra ewes and the
animal materials of other studies are due to environmental factors such
as age, care and feeding and genetic differences. In particular, genetic
differences play an important role in the differences with Karayaka,
Romanov–White Dorper × Rambouillet, Polypay and Rambouillet breeds.
Survivability in lambs
In the study, the 120th d survivability of Bafra lambs was 97.74% and
the mortality levels were 0.43, 1.83 and 2.26% in the 90th, 91st–120th
and birth–120th d, respectively. The viability and mortality levels in
different periods of Bafra lambs have been presented in TABLE II.
Leeds et al. [19] calculated the viability of Columbia, USMARC–
Composite, Suffolk and Texel lambs produced from Rambouillet
sheep as 87.00, 89.00, 93.00, and 86%, respectively.
The viability determined in the research had a very high rate; it was
higher than the viability power detected in the lambs considered in all
studies (except for the one identied in twin lambs by Yerlikaya [18]).
In the current research, the mortality rate observed in Bafra lambs
on the 91–120
th
d was higher than the rate in birth–90
th
d, compared to
the mortality rate per d. This period, in which the mortality rate was
higher in lambs in the farm indicates a period when lambs began to
be taken out to pasture and were close to weaning. It is thought that
the deciencies that probably emerged in terms of herd management
may have led to this situation.
According to other breeds and studies that were compared, the low
mortality rate and high viability detected in Bafra lambs, which was the
animal material of this research, were due to the breed features, as
well as to the suitability of the care, feeding and health conditions of
the farm and the high interest shown by the mothers to their offspring.
Growth in lambs
In the study, the mean live weights of the lambs at birth and on the
30
th
, 60
th
, 90
th
and the 120
th
d were determined as 3.93, 9.17, 15.57, 22.80
and 28.40 kg, respectively. The birth weights of male and female lambs
were determined as 4.26 and 3.57 kg, respectively. The live weight
differences between the male and female lambs were statistically
signicant (P<0.05, P<0.01) on d 60, 90 and 120. In the study, the mean
birth weight of single–born, twin and triplet lambs were calculated as
4.86, 4.07 and 1.83 kg, respectively. It was found that the effect of birth
type on the birth weight of the lambs and their live weight on the 30
th
,
60
th
, 90
th
and 120
th
d during the breastfeeding period was signicant
(P<0.01). The effect of the interaction between gender and birth
type was signicant only on live weight values on the 120
th
d (P<0.01).
The effect of gender on live weight gains between birth and days
30, 60, 90 and 120 in lambs was signicant (P<0.05, P<0.01), and it
was insignicant on live weight increases between birth and the 30
th
d
(P>0.05). The effect of the birth type was statistically signicant
(P<0.05, P<0.01) for all periods except for live weight increases
between the d of birth and the 60
th
d. The interaction effect between
gender and birth type was also signicant only on live weight gains
between birth and the 120
th
d (P<0.01).
When the effect of gender on average daily live weight increases
in lambs during certain periods was examined, significance was
determined only for the increases between d 61–90 (P<0.01). In this
period, the live weight increases of male and female lambs were
determined as 265.75 and 213.72 g, respectively. The effect of birth type
has been presented in TABLE V, which was found to be important on live
weight increases on birth–30
th
d and the 61– 90
th
d (P<0.05, P<0.01). The
mean daily live weight gains of lambs born as single, twin and triplets
for d of birth–30
th
d were 181.55, 175.71 and 157.78 g, respectively, and
287.52, 238.24 and 181.07 g between d 61 and 90, respectively.
The average live weights of Bafra breed lambs according to gender
and birth type on d 30, 60, 90 and 120 have been presented in TABLEIII,
the average live weights gained between birth and d 30, 60, 90 and 120
have been presented in TABLE IV, and the average daily live weight
increases on d birth–30, 31–60, 61–90 and 91–120 have been displayed
in TABLE V.
TABLE II
Survivability and mortality levels of Bafra lambs at different periods
Survivability Mortality
120th day 90th day 91th–120th day Birth–120th day
% n % n % N %
97.74 5 0.43 21 1.83 26 2.26
In the study conducted by Ünal et al. [17], the viability of Karayaka
and Bafra lambs in weaning (90th d) was 93.6% and 91.9%, respectively,
and in the study conducted by Güngör and Akçapınar [15], the Bafra
breed was found to have a survivability rate of 86.20 and 84.10% on
the 30
th
and 90
th
d, respectively.
The 56
th
d survivability rate of Bafra lambs raised by Yerlikaya [18]
in the Elmalı Village of Niğde Province in Turkey was 94.26% in males
and 94.17% in females; on the 140th d, it was calculated as 88.52% in
male lambs and 93.20% in female lambs, and according to the birth
type, the 56
th
d survival power was 82.50% in single born lambs and
98.04% in twin lambs; the 140
th
d survival power was 90.00% in single
born lambs and 93.13% in twin lambs.
______________________________________________________________________Revista Cientifica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIII, rcfcv-e33283
5 of 7
In the study conducted by Yerlikaya [18], the average live weights
of Bafra lambs at birth, 56
th
day and 140
th
d of age were determined
as 3.18 ± 0.05 kg, 12.71 ± 0.22 kg and 24.90 ± 0.35 kg, respectively.
In the study conducted by Adıgüzel Işık and Aksoy [14], the live
weight of Bafra lambs on the 30
th
, 60
th
, 75
th
, 120
th
and 180
th
d of birth
was determined as 3.22 ± 0.06, 6.45 ± 0.13, 9.58 ± 0.23, 12.28 ± 0.28,
15.93 ± 0.47, 22.32 ± 0.67 kg, respectively.
In the study conducted by Ünal et al. [17], the birth, weaning and
adjusted live weights on the 180
th
d in Karayaka and Bafra lambs
were determined as 3.10 and 3.70 kg; 19.50 and 22.50 kg; 29.60 and
32.60kg, respectively.
In this study, the effects of gender and birth type on live weight and
live weight increases in the growth period of lambs were generally
found to be consistent with the literature reports. However, the live
weight of Bafra lambs on different days and periods was found to be
higher than those observed in studies conducted on Bafra breed [14,
17, 18]. This situation was found to be quite positive and remarkable.
Although the higher live weights detected in the Bafra lambs are
thought to have arisen due to the genetic capacity of the breed, it is
also known that care, feeding, and the suitability of the conditions
may have been effective in the outcome.
Slaughter and carcass weights of lambs, carcass yields
The slaughter and carcass weights and carcass yields of the Bafra
lambs on the 180
th
d have been presented in TABLE VI.
TABLE III
Live weights of Bafra lambs according to gender
and birth type (kg, mean ± standard error)
Factors n Birth 30th day 60th day 90th day 120th day
Gender ns ns * ** **
Male 34 4.26 ± 0.19 9.70 ± 0.26 16.18 ± 0.24 24.15 ± 0.37 29.93 ± 0.65
Female 31 3.57 ± 0.21 8.58 ± 0.24 14.91 ± 0.27 21.32 ± 0.42 26.72 ± 0.38
Birth type ** ** ** ** **
Single birth 14 4.86 ± 0.30
c
10.31 ± 0.30
c
16.53 ± 0.28
b
25.15 ± 0.55
c
32.49 ± 1.04
c
Twin birth 42 4.07 ± 0.12
b
9.34 ± 0.17
b
15.77 ± 0.20
b
22.92 ± 0.28
b
28.09 ± 0.26
b
Triplet birth 9 1.83 ± 0.07
a
6.57 ± 0.18
a
13.15 ± 0.28
a
18.58 ± 0.42
a
23.49 ± 0.30
a
General 65 3.93 ± 0.15 9.17 ± 0.19 15.57 ± 0.20 22.80 ± 0.33 28.40 ± 0.43
Effect of interaction
between gender ×
type of birth
ns ns ns ns **
ns: not signicative, *:
P<0.05, **: P<0.01,
a, b, c
: Differences between means with
different letters in the same column are signicant (
P<0.05)
TABLE IV
Live weight gains of Bafra lambs between birth and certain days
according to gender and birth type (kg, mean ± standard error)
Factors n
Birth–
30th day
Birth–
60th day
Birth–
90th day
Birth–
120th day
Gender ns * ** **
Male 34 5.44 ± 0.13 11.92 ± 0.13 19.89 ± 0.27 25.48 ± 0.52
Female 31 5.01 ± 0.05 11.34 ± 0.16 17.75 ± 0.26 23.26 ± 0.25
Birth type * ns ** **
Single birth 14 5.45 ± 0.10
b
11.67 ± 0.16 20.29 ± 0.48
c
27.63 ± 0.94
b
Twin birth 42 5.27 ± 0.10
b
11.70 ± 0.15 18.85 ± 0.24
b
23.74 ± 0.22
a
Triplet birth 9 4.73 ± 0.15
a
11.32 ± 0.23 16.75 ± 0.37
a
22.61 ± 0.28
a
General 65 5.23 ± 0.08 11.64 ± 0.11 18.87 ± 0.23 24.42 ± 0.33
Effect of interaction
between gender ×
type of birth
ns ns ns **
ns: not signicative, *:
P<0.05, **: P<0.01,
a, b, c
: Differences between means with
different letters in the same column are signicant (
P<0.05)
TABLE V
Daily live weight gains of Bafra lambs according to
gender and birth type (g, mean ± standard error)
Factors n
Birth–
30th day
Birth–
60th day
Birth–
90th day
Birth–
120th day
Gender ns ns * ns
Male 34 181.02 ± 4.34 216.01 ± 3.14 265.75 ± 6.64 192.40 ± 16.52
Female 31 167.09 ± 1.52 210.83 ± 5.34 213.72 ± 9.48 180.24 ± 9.01
Birth type * ns ** ns
Single birth 14 181.55 ± 3.34
b
207.36 ± 4.23 287.52 ± 11.78
a
244.57 ± 29.53
Twin birth 42 175.71 ± 3.36
b
214.33 ± 4.22 238.24 ± 6.99
b
172.22 ± 9.06
Triplet birth 9 157.78 ± 4.94
a
219.44 ± 6.78 181.07 ± 7.75
a
163.52 ± 15.04
General 65 174.49 ± 2.52 213.54 ± 3.02 240.94 ± 6.52 182.60 ± 9.52
Effect of interaction
between gender ×
type of birth
ns ns ns **
ns: not signicative, *:
P<0.05, **: P<0.01,
a, b, c
: Differences between means with
different letters in the same column are signicant (
P<0.05)
TABLE VI
Slaughter and carcass weights and carcass yields of
Bafra lambs (n=20; mean ± standard error)
Slaughter weight (kg) Hot carcass weight (kg) Hot carcass yield (%)
47.10 ± 0.68 21.61 ± 0.37 45.92 ± 0.56
In a study conducted by Yaranoğlu and Özbeyaz [20], based on 34 and
42 kg slaughter weights, the slaughter weights of Bafra, Akkaraman and
Bafra × Akkaraman F1 lambs, where the average live weights were 34
kg, were 33.83 ± 0.06, 34.08 ± 0.10 and 34.20 ± 0.14 kg, respectively. The
hot carcass weights of these lambs were 15.14 ± 0.18, 14.99 ± 0.16 and
15.97 ± 0.17 kg, respectively. In the same study, the slaughter weights
of Bafra, Akkaraman and Bafra × Akkaraman F1 lambs, whose average
weight was 42 kg, were 42.38 ± 0.30, 43.00 ± 0.18 and 43.25 ± 0.10kg,
respectively. The hot carcass weights of these lambs were also
20.34 ± 0.32, 21.08 ± 0.27 and 21.20 ± 0.30 kg, respectively.
In a study conducted by Yakan and Ünal [21], the hot carcass
weights in 30, 35, 40 and 45 kg slaughter weight groups in Bafra
ewes were 13.57 ± 0.14, 1621 ± 0.16, 18.78 ± 0.33 and 21.50 ± 0.27 kg,
respectively, and the hot carcass yields were 44.19, 45.41, 47.16 and
46.90%, respectively.
In another study conducted by Akçapınar et al. [9], the live weights of
Bafra male lambs before slaughter were 40.40 ± 0.17 kg, the hot carcass
weight was 19.18 ± 0.33 kg, and the hot carcass yield was 47.48 ± 0.17%.
Mckibben et al. [22] calculated the hot carcass weights in lambs with
Suffolk and Siremax genotypes as 32.31 and 30.57 kg, respectively.
Reproductive Characteristics in Bafra Ewes / Köseman et al. _______________________________________________________________________
6 of 7
In the current research, the slaughter weight and hot carcass
weights of Bafra lambs were found to be higher compared to those
observed in the studies of Yaranoğlu and Özbeyaz [20], Yakan and
Ünal [21] and Akçapınar et al. [9]. However, the hot carcass weights
of Bafra lambs found in this research were found to be lower than
that observed in the study of Mckibben et al. [22] and higher than
the values reported by Yakan and Ünal [21] for lambs with a slaughter
weight of 30 and 35 kg. However, for lambs with a slaughter weight
of 40 and 45 kg, Yakan and Ünal [21] and Akçapınar et al. [9] obtained
higher hot carcass yield values. The differences observed between the
literature reports and the current study results in terms of slaughter
and carcass weights and carcass yields of Bafra lambs were suggested
to be due to the differences in gender, slaughter age, maternal age,
number of lambs, care and feeding, and the differences resulting from
the values reported for Suffolk and Siremax lambs were suggested
to be due to the effects of environmental factors, as well as the
signicant genetic factors.
The differences between the slaughter and carcass weights of
this research material, Bafra lambs and Akkaraman and Bafra ×
Akkaraman F1 lambs, which were the materials of the other study,
may have been caused by differences in environmental factors such
as gender, slaughter age, birth type, mother age, care and feeding
and differences in the genotypes.
CONCLUSIONS
It was determined the reproductive characteristics (birt rate, lamb
yield, number of lambs per birth) and productive characteristics (the
survival power, growth performance and carcass weights) of the Bafra
sheep in this study. In terms of the parameters considered, it may be
concluded that the Bafra genotype performs well in general, in the
conditions of the Eastern Anatolia Region in Türkiye, which is a region
different from the original geographical breeding Regions of the parent
genotypes of the Sakız and Karayaka breeds. Afterall, although Bafra
ewes were brought to the region and the farm only a few years ago, it
could be adapted and easily grown in the Malatya Province, and they
could be recommended to growers in terms of the characteristics
considered and in terms of the sustainability of mutton production.
Ethical statement
In order to carry out the study within the scope of this article,
Project Based Ethical Permission No. 2020/73919507–280.01.01–
E.907632 was obtained from the Malatya Provincial Directorate of
Agriculture and Forestry in Türkiye.
Conict of interest
The authors declare there is no conict of interest.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
[1] Birteeb PT, Olusola PS, Yakubu AD, Adekunle AM, Ohiokhuaobo
OM. Multivariate characterization of the phenotypic traits of
Djallonke and Sahel sheep in northern Ghana. Trop. Anim. Health
Prod. [Internet]. 2012; 4:1–7. doi: https://doi.org/f4nzm7
[2] Köseman A, Şeker İ, Baykalır Y, Şeker P. Koyun Karkaslarının
Kalite Sınıandırılmasında “EUROP” Sistemi ve Türkiye’deki
Uygulamalar. J Instit. Sci Technol. [Internet]. 2017 [cited 20
May 2023]; 7(3):309–320. Available in: https://bit.ly/3KFoEmJ.
[3] Koyuncu M, Duymaz Y. Kuzularda yaşama gücünün iyileştirilmesi.
Hayvansal Üretim. [Internet]. 2017; 58(1):46–56. doi: https://doi.
org/kn97
[4] Notter DR, Mousel MR, Lewis GS, Leymaster KA, Taylor JB.
Evaluation of Rambouillet, Polypay, and Romanov–White Dorper
× Rambouillet ewes mated to terminal sires in an extensive
rangeland production system: Lamb production. J. Anim. Sci.
[Internet]. 2017; 95(9):3851–3862. doi: https://doi.org/gbzrj4
[5] Thompson AN, Bowen E, Keiller J, Pegler D, Kearney G, Rosales–
Nieto CA. The number of offspring weaned from ewe lambs is
affected differently by liveweight and age at breeding. Anim.
[Internet]. 2021; 11(9):2733. doi: https://doi.org/gncm4g
[6] Doğan İ, Şahin F. Kuzularda doğum ağırlığını etkileyen
faktörlerden doğum tipi ve cinsiyetin Bare–Bones META analizi
ile değerlendirilmesi. Ankara Üniv. Vet. Fak. Derg. [Internet].
2003; 50:135–140. doi: https://doi.org/b2mvrw
[7] Kutlu MA, Çelik Ş, Kaygusuzoğlu E. Bingöl ilinde halk elinde
yetiştirilen Akkaraman ırkı kuzuların büyüme performansının
incelenmesi. KSÜ Tarım ve Doğa Derg. [Internet]. 2022; 25
(6):1502–1509. doi: https://doi.org/kn98
[8] Güngör ÖF. Bafra, Akkaraman ve Bafra × Akkaraman F1 ve G1
genotiplerinde bazı verim ve davranış özellikleri [dissertation in
the Internet]. Ankara: University of Ankara; 2017 [cited 21 June
2023]. 133 p. Available in: https://bit.ly/47nX47n.
[9] Akçapınar H, Atasoy F, Ünal N, Aytaç M, Aylanç A. The fattening
and carcass characteristics of Bafra (Chios × Karayaka B1) lambs.
Lalahan Hayvancılık Araştırma Enstitüsü Dergisi. [Internet].
2002 [cited 20 May 2023]; 42(2):19–28. Available in: https://
bit.ly/3DYpZkE.
[10] Akçapınar H. Koyun yetiştiriciliği. 2nd ed. Ankara: İsmat Press;
2000. 150 p.
[11] Cochran WG. Sampling techniques. 3rd ed. New York: John
Wiley & Sons; 1997. 250 p.
[12] Akgül A. Tıbbi araştırmalarda istatistiksel analiz teknikleri. 3rd
ed. Ankara: Emek Ofset; 2005. 254 p.
[13] SPSS. SPSS 22.0. Statistical package in Social Sciences for
Windows. Chicago: IBM; 2015.
[14] Adıgüzel IS, Aksoy AR. Bafra Koyununun (Sakız x Karayaka G1)
Kazım Karabekir Tarım İşletmesi şartlarında döl verimi ve yaşama
gücü özellikleri. Van.Vet J. [Internet]. 2015 [cited 14 May 2023];
26(2):93–99. Available in: https://bit.ly/47tt3CW.
[15] Güngör İ, Akçapınar H. Bafra genotipinin Ankara şartlarında verim
özellikleri. Lalahan Hay. Araşt. Enst. Derg. 2013; 53(2):59–73.
[16] Özarslan B. Bafra koyunu yetiştiriciliğinde üreme özelliklerinin
incelenmesi [dissertation in the Internet]. Ankara: University
of Ankara; 2014 [cited 21 June 2023]. 78 p. Available in: https://
bit.ly/3OQYDTU.
[17] Ünal N, Atasoy F, Akçapınar H, Erdoğan M. Karayaka ve Bafra
(Sakız x Karayaka G1) koyunlarda döl verimi, kuzularda yaşama
gücü ve büyüme. Turk. J. Vet. Anim. Sci. 2003; 27:265–272.
______________________________________________________________________Revista Cientifica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIII, rcfcv-e33283
7 of 7
[18] Yerlikaya E. Niğde İli Elmalı köyünde yetiştirilen Bafra koyunlarının
büyüme ve üreme performansı [master’s thesis on the Internet].
Niğde: University of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir; 2019 [cited 21 June
2023]. 57 p. Available in: https://bit.ly/458SDMe.
[19] Leeds TD, Notter DR, Leymaster KA, Mousel MR, Lewis GS.
Evaluation of Columbia, USMARC–Composite, Suffolk, and Texel
rams as terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production
system: I. Ewe productivity and crossbred lamb survival and
preweaning growth. J. Anim. Sci. [Internet]. 2012; 90(9):2931–40.
doi: https://doi.org/f4chpf
[20] Yaranoğlu B, Özbeyaz C. Farklı kesim ağırlıklarındaki Bafra,
Akkaraman ve Bafra x Akkaraman F1 kuzularda besi performansı,
kesim ve karkas özellikleri. Eurasian J. Vet. Sci. [Internet]. 2019;
35(1):15–23. doi: https://doi.org/kpbb
[21] Yakan A, Ünal N. Meat production traits of a new sheep breed
called Bafra in Turkey 1. Fattening, slaughter, and carcass
characteristics of lambs. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. [Internet].
2010; 42(4):751–759. doi: https://doi.org/d3937f
[22] Mckibben HN, Notter DR, Stewart WC, Means WJ, Pierce NL,
Taylor JB. Comparison of new composite breeds with the Suffolk
breed as terminal sires in an extensive production system:
carcass characteristics. Transl. Anim. Sci. [Internet]. 2019;
3(Suppl 1):1701–1704. doi: https://doi.org/kpbc