A Study on Growth Performance of different strains of Nellore Lambs of Andhra Pradesh

Effect of sex, season on performance of two strains (Palla and Jodipi) of Nellore breed at various stages of growth under semi intensive system was investigated. The overall mean body weight of lambs at birth, weaning, six, nine, and twelve months of age was 2.71±0.04, 14.51±0.09, 17.60±0.11, 22.66±0.10 and 27.11±0.12 kg, respectively. Average body weight of lambs of Palla strain from birth to twelve months of age was significantly (P<0.01) higher than those of Jodipi strains. The sex had a significant (P<0.01) influence from birth to twelve months of age and the growth of male lambs was higher (P<0.01) than female lambs. The season of birth had significantly (P<0.05) influenced the body weights of lambs at all stages of growth except at twelve months of age. The lambs born during winter and summer (December to August) seasons recorded higher body weights than those born during rainy season (September to November).