comparative study regarding body weight in turcana and r1 german blackheaded x turcana yearling ewes

Researches were carried out in a commercial sheep farm from Arad county, situated in western Romania. Yearling ewes, with their age ranging from 12 to 13 months were included in the trial. Two genotypes were considered, purebred indigenous Turcana (TA, n = 18) and R1 German Blackheaded 75% x Turcana 25 % (R1GBT, n = 17) back-crosses. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects that crossbreeding local Turcana sheep with the meat specialized German Blackheaded breed have on the body development of maiden ewes. Results have shown that the R1GBT back-cross gimmers had a significantly (p≤0.001) higher body weight, of 56.81 kg when compared with the TA purebreds, which had on average 45.0 kg. Wool production and the length of the wool-staple was significantly higher (p≤0.001) in TA yearling ewes when compared to their counterparts. Results of the current study outlined that the R1GBT yearling ewes are more precocious when body weight is concerned, and this could lead to their introduction to reproduction starting with 12 months of age.