The production of Dorper, Red Masai, Dorper X Red Masai first cross and Dorper grade sheep at Ol Mogogo, Kenya, Estate

Chemitei, V.C.C.; Makara, C.; Ogutu, E.; Owiti, J.; Rakoczi, G.

The production of Dorper, Red Masai, Dorper X Red Masai first cross and Dorper grade sheep at Ol Mogogo, Kenya, Estate

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Descripción

Dorper sheep weighed 8 kg more than Red Maasai at 1 year of age. Due to better growth rates and higher adult weight, Dorper consumed more pasture than Red Maasai. It has been calculated that in terms of percentage 83 Dorper breeding ewes and followers consume as much pasture as 100 Red Maasai breeding ewes and followers. Nevertheless, in monetary terms, under optimal conditions and under present costs, one Dorper ewe returns sh 9/- more per year than one Red Masai ewe. Assuming equal stocking rates for Dorper and Red Maasai ewe. Assuming equal stocking rates for Dorper and Red Maasai, 1 Dorper ewe returns SH 20/ - more than 1 Red Masai ewe. Dorper X Red Masai R1 (75% Dorper 25% Red Masai) slightly exceeded pure Dorper in birth rate, birth weights, growth rates during suckling, growth rates after weaning, and pre topping weights.