Productive performance of Balkhi, Mazai, and Waziri sheep breeds under different feeding intensities
This study evaluated the impact of breed, age, and feeding systems on the productivity of indigenous sheep breeds (Balkhi, Mazai, and Waziri) in North Waziristan. A total of 600 sheep were categorized by breed, age, and feeding regimen, including grazing-only (T1) and varying concentrate supplementa...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Applied Animal Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/09712119.2025.2519783 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | This study evaluated the impact of breed, age, and feeding systems on the productivity of indigenous sheep breeds (Balkhi, Mazai, and Waziri) in North Waziristan. A total of 600 sheep were categorized by breed, age, and feeding regimen, including grazing-only (T1) and varying concentrate supplementation levels (T2–T4). Results showed that Waziri sheep, particularly under high concentrate (T4), exhibited superior average daily gain (ADG) and body condition score (BCS), followed by Balkhi and Mazai breeds. Intensive feeding (T3 and T4) significantly enhanced dry matter intake (DMI) and weight gain across all breeds (p < 0.05), with Waziri hoggets reaching a peak DMI of 900 g/day in T4. Age-related differences were significant; adult rams showed better weight gain and DMI than younger hoggets under identical feeding conditions (p < 0.03). Weight gains varied by breed, with Waziri yearlings reaching a mean final weight gain of 20.9 kg under T4, highlighting their adaptability to intensive feeding. The interaction effects showed that breed, feeding intensity, and age all substantially influenced productivity, with Waziri sheep demonstrating the highest potential under intensive feeding conditions. These findings underscore the importance of breed-specific nutrition strategies for optimizing sheep production in arid regions. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0971-2119 0974-1844 |