A review of morphological characteristics relating to the production and reproduction of fat-tailed...

SI FAT TAILED SHEEP

A review of morphological characteristics relatingto the production and reproduction of fat-tailed sheep breeds

Aris F. Pourlis

Accepted: 12 April 2011 /Published online: 10 May 2011# Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011

Abstract The purpose of this study is to survey theliterature pertinent to some morphological traits which arerelated with the production and reproduction of fat-tailedsheep breeds. The fat-tailed breeds were identified accord-ing to Food and Agriculture Organization databases.Articles referring to all these sheep breeds were evaluated.The morphology of udders and their measurable variableswere collected and described. The particularities of pelt andfleece features which are important from an economic pointof view were summarized. Linear, planar, and spatialparameters of body, slaughter, and carcass factors werecompared at various ages of breeding. Testicular dimen-sions and semen characteristics were recorded. Theirrelationships with productive and reproductive performancewere discussed. The pattern of ovarian follicle developmentand the involution of the genital tract were assessed fromthe anatomical point of view in normal and untreatedanimals. The data presented here provide useful baselineinformation on the normal morphological aspects which areimportant in the animal production of these breeds.

Keywords Body measurements . Udder . Carcass .

Docking .Wool . Reproduction

Introduction

The fat-tailed breeds represent the great majority of sheepin an area which extends from the northern parts of Africa

to the Middle and Near East (Atti et al. 2004). Varieties offat-tailed sheep can also be found in northern India, westChina, and Mongolia as well (Domestic Animal DiversityInformation System, www.fao.org/DAD-IS). Fat-tailedsheep breeding is a traditional and an important type ofanimal production in these areas which generally are arid orsemiarid. The sheep are characterized by the deposition ofreserve fat in the tail. It is also known for their ability towalk long distances and to cope with harsh environmentalconditions such as long periods of drought and hightemperatures (Kashan et al. 2005). Usually these breedsare used for the production of good quality meat which isclosely related with the nutritional habits of the indigenoushuman populations. Milk and wool productivity is alsoimportant. A famous fat-tailed breed, the Karakul sheep, isknown for the pelt production. Another famous breed, theAwassi sheep, is a triple purpose animal.

The aim of this review is to present the up-to-datemorphological data which are useful in fat-tailed sheepbreeding. These data assemble the phenotypic profile of thisparticular kind of sheep. In fact, the Global Plan of Actionfor Animal Genetic Resources recognizes that “A goodunderstanding of breed characteristics is necessary to guidedecision-making in livestock development and breedingprograms” (Intergovernmental Technical Working Groupon Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture/ITWG/AGenR 2010).

This review paper is based on the results of a searchthrough numerous articles of fat-tailed breeds of sheeppublished in scientific journals. The fat-tailed sheep wereidentified according to Food and Agriculture Organizationof the United Nations databases such as the European FarmAnimal Biodiversity Information System (www.efabis.tvz.fal.de), Domestic Animal Diversity Information System(www.fao.org/DAD-IS), and Domestic Animal Genetic

A. F. Pourlis (*)Laboratory of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, VeterinarySchool, University of Thessaly,Karditsa, P.O. Box 199, GR 43100, Greecee-mail: [email protected]

Trop Anim Health Prod (2011) 43:1267–1287DOI 10.1007/s11250-011-9853-x

http://www.fao.org/DAD-IS

http://www.efabis.tvz.fal.de

http://www.efabis.tvz.fal.de

http://www.fao.org/DAD-IS

Resources Information System (http://dagris.ilri.cgiar.org/default.asp). Table 1 lists the fat-tailed breeds on whichinformation was obtained, named alphabetically, as well astheir products and their distribution in various countries allover the world. The bibliographical research focused ontraits that are important in meat, wool, and milk sheepproduction systems as well as in the reproduction of theseanimals.

Production

Body conformation

Linear body traits have been suggested as objectivemeasures of body conformation in sheep. Body conforma-tion highly influences market value of meat sheep intraditional markets (Gizaw et al. 2008a). Linear bodymeasurements (mean±SEM or mean±SD expressed incentimeters) of fat-tailed sheep are summarized in Table 2.The growth of 15 linear body measurements of theMehraban breed was studied by Bathaei (1995). Amongthem, the wither height, body length, back circumference,and chest circumference were the most significant sourcesof weight variation. The chest circumference was the bestindicator of the weight variations at different ages. Amongthe linear measurements of Menz rams, the highestcorrelation (r=0.66, P<0.001) was between body lengthand height at withers (Hibret et al. 2001). Various bodymeasurements of Awassi breed were correlated with bodyweight (Topal et al. 2003). The highest correlationcoefficient (r=0.871; P<0.01) was found to be betweenbody weight and heart girth. Similar results were recordedin the Red Karaman breed where the correlation coefficientreported to be 0.867 (P<0.01; Topal and Macit 2004). Theheritability estimates of different body traits at differentages in Awassi sheep were moderate to high with theexception of heart girth. The heritability of each of bodylength and width, height at hips, width at shoulders, andwidth at hips tend to increase with increasing age from birthto yearling (Juma and Alkass 2006). In Menz breed, Gizawet al. (2008a) reported phenotypic correlation of live weightand chest girth to be 0.77 for yearling sheep. Pelvic widthwas the least heritable trait. Heritability estimates were0.36, 0.27, 0.31, and 0.08 for wither height, body length,chest girth, and pelvic width, respectively. Genetic correla-tions of live weight with linear size traits ranged from 0.89for wither height to 0.98 for chest girth (Gizaw et al.2008a). Genetic correlations among linear size traits variedbetween 0.28 and 0.96. In Red Karaman lambs, asignificant correlation (r=0.79, P<0.05) of body lengthand chest girth (r=0.66, P<0.05) with cold carcass weightwas observed while height at withers was significantly

correlated (r=0.59) with tail weight (Yaprak et al. 2008).Heart girth was significantly correlated (r=0.58) with hotcarcass weight in Makoei sheep breed (Farahani et al.2010). In addition, the abdominal circumference (79.29±7.10 SD) was also significantly correlated (r=0.57) withcarcass weight.

Tail

The fat tail is regarded as an adaptive response of animalsto a hazardous environment and is a valuable reserve for theanimal during migration and winter. The sheep storenutritional reserves in its tail when food is available anduse them when food is scarce (Kashan et al. 2005). Theshape and size of the fat tail varies between and many timeswithin breeds. The fat tail is short or long or long andturned up at the end (Fig. 1). Another type of fat allocationin the rump characterizes the fat rumped sheep (Fig. 1d).Fat tail measurements can be performed easily on liveanimals and could be used as a measure of tail weight inbreeding programs (Vatankah and Talebi 2008).

All Ghezel and most Mehraban sheep have a small fatdepot accessory to the body of the tail. This fat depot isknown as “Donbalcheh” in Iran. Zamiri and Izadifard(1997) measured the length (9.5±0.7 cm in Mehraban;18.4±0.7 cm in Ghezel), the width (9.4±0.4 cm inMehraban; 13.1±0.4 cm in Ghezel), and the circumfer-ence (16.1±1.5 cm in Mehraban; 33.0±2.2 cm in Ghezel)of the accessory structure. Zamiri and Izadifard (1997)reported that in Mehraban rams, the highest correlationcoefficient was found between fat tail weight and lowerwidth (r=0.87), whereas in Ghezel rams, lower circum-ference had the highest correlation with fat tail weight (r=0.84). All tail measurements of Barbarine sheep weresignificantly and closely correlated to tail fat, carcass fat,and total body fat. Muscle weight was more related to tailwidth measurements (r=0.63), but relative muscle andbone carcass contents were negatively correlated to all tailmeasurements (Atti and Ben Hamouda 2004). Thecorrelation coefficients of fat tail weight of Torki-Ghashghaii breed with fat tail dimensions were positiveand significant (Safdarian et al. 2008). The correlationcoefficient of fat tail weight with upper circumference waspositively significant and larger than other measurements(r=0.88, P<0.01). In yearling Menz sheep heritabilityestimates were 0.48 and 0.23 for tail length and tailcircumference. Genetic correlations of live weight withtail length were 0.40 and with tail circumference 0.71(Gizaw et al. 2008a). The highest correlation coefficientswere observed between lower circumference measurementand hot carcass weight (r=0.59) in Makoei breed sheep(Farahani et al. 2010). Tail measurements of fat-tailedbreed sheep are summarized in Table 3.

1268 Trop Anim Health Prod (2011) 43:1267–1287

http://dagris.ilri.cgiar.org/default.asp

http://dagris.ilri.cgiar.org/default.asp

Table 1 Fat-tailed breeds of sheep: products and geographical distribution

Breed Products Distribution

Adilo Meat Ethiopia

Afar Milk, meat Ethiopia, Eritrea

Arabi Meat Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan

Arsi Bale Meat Ethiopia

Awassi Milk, wool, meat Turkey, Israel, Cyprus, Jordan, Iraq, India, Ethiopia, Egypt, Pakistan,Australia, Lebanon, Syria, Romania, Myanmar, Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania

Badghisian Meat Iran

Baluchi Wool, meat Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan

Barbarine Meat Tunisia, Algeria, Chad

Barki Meat, wool Libya, Egypt

Bibrik Meat Pakistan

Bonga Meat Ethiopia

Chall Meat Iran

Wool, milk Turkey

Damara Meat South Africa, Australia, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia

Farafra Meat Egypt

Farta Wool Ethiopia

Ghezel Meat Iran

Horro Meat Ethiopia

Javanese fat-tailed Meat Indonesia

Karadi Wool, meat Iraq

Karakaş Meat, wool Turkey

Karakul Pelt/fur, meat Iran, Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Australia, Angola, Afghanistan,Mongolia, Mali, Uzbekistan, USA, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Tajikistan, South Africa,Rwanda, Russian Federation, Romania, Pakistan, The Netherlands, Moldova

Kermani Meat, wool Iran

Libyan Barbary Meat, wool Libya

Lori-Bakhtiari Meat Iran

Makoei Wool Iran

Mehraban Meat Iran

Menz Meat, wool Ethiopia

Naemi Meat Kuwait

Naeini Wool Iran

Najdi Meat Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Iraq,

Namaqua Africaner Meat South Africa

Nguni Meat Mozambique, Swaziland, South Africa,

Norduz Wool, meat Turkey

Ossimi Wool, meat Egypt

Red Karaman Wool, meat Turkey, Iran,

Rahmani Wool, meat Egypt

Sabi Meat Zimbabwe

Sanjabi Wool, meat Iran, Kazakhstan

Sekota Wool Ethiopia

Semien Wool Ethiopia

Tikur Wool Ethiopia

Tuj Meat, wool Turkey

Torki-Ghashghaii Meat Iran

Tswana Meat Botswana, Zimbabwe

Tushin Meat Turkey

Trop Anim Health Prod (2011) 43:1267–1287 1269

Milk production

The udder morphology is a basic factor for optimizingmilking ability in ruminants and its inclusion in dairy sheepimprovement programs has been widely recommended(Labussière 1988). Udder measurements and their relation-ships with milk production traits and their usefulness forgenetic improvement have been studied in a few fat-tailedsheep breeds (Iñiguez et al. 2009). Linear measurements ofudder (circumference, width, and length) as well as of teat(circumference and length) characterize the morphology ofmammary. The lactation performance of two Iranian fat-tailed breeds (Mehraban and Ghezel) has been studied byIzadifard and Zamiri (1997). The authors showed that milkpotential of mature Ghezel ewes can be estimated withreasonable accuracy by measuring udder depth and lengtharound peak of lactation. Kahtuei et al. (2008) determinedcorrelations of milk yield with udder measurements at2 weeks postpartum in Iranian Kermani breed. Thecorrelation of milk yield with udder circumference (r=0.38) and udder width (r=0.38) was significant (P<0.01).The previous authors did not mention the time at which themeasurements were recorded. Udder measurements andmilk production in two Awassi genotypes (Turkish andSyrian) and their crosses were recorded immediately afterthe morning milking (Iñiguez et al. 2009). The authorsadded to their measurements the udder height (20.4±0.1 cm), cistern height (3.4±0.1 cm), and teat width (2.2±0.02 cm). Udder circumference and teat width appeared tobe the most useful of the udder measurements taken in thisstudy for predicting total milk yield. The metrical character-istics of fat-tailed sheep mammary (mean±SEM expressedin cm) are summarized in Table 4.

Meat production

Carcass

Carcass quality measures are based not only on carcassweight but also on linear and planar carcass measurementsand indexes (Lambe et al. 2009). The carcass linearmeasurements of Awassi ram lambs slaughtered at differentweights were recorded by Abdullah and Qudsieh (2008).Body length, leg length, maximum shoulder width, and leg

width increased (P<0.01) as slaughter weight increasedfrom 20 to 40 kg. The cold carcass measurements of fat-tailed breeds are summarized in Table 5. The dimensions ofthe musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) and the fat thicknessare presented in Table 6. The MLD area reported for theAfar breed (Hagos and Melaku 2009) was the smallestwhen compared with other fat-tailed breeds. Subcutaneousfat thickness was only significantly (P<0.01) correlatedwith tail weight in both Ghezel (r=0.65) and Mehraban (r=0.54; Fozooni and Zamiri 2007).

Real-time ultrasound devices are considered the methodof choice for accurate measurement of both back fatthickness and MLD area for prediction of live animalcomposition (Sahin et al. 2008). Very few studies on thedetermination of longissimus muscle dimensions and fatthickness using ultrasonography have been conducted in fattail lambs. Fat depth varied on average between 5.3 and7.5 mm from 180 to 520 days old in Barbarine lambs.Average muscle depths were 19.1±3.6 (SD), 18.4±2.8, and21.5±2.7 mm at 180, 240, and 520 days, respectively(Romdhani and Djemali 2006). Ultrasound measurementsshowed that the greatest muscle depth and the lowest fatdepth were reached at the same age (180–200 days). Sahinet al. (2008) recorded ultrasound and carcass measurementsof White Karaman male lambs at 41.59±0.54 kg. Theaverage values for back fat thickness, area, and depth of eyemuscle measured by ultrasound were 4.03 mm, 8.86 cm2,and 22.01 mm, respectively. High correlations were foundbetween eye muscle area (r=0.82; P<0.01) as measuredwith both modes. The assessment of carcass traits in Awassilambs by real-time ultrasound at different body weight andsexes revealed similarities and differences with the carcassdimensions after slaughter (Orman et al. 2010).

Docking

The fat deposited in the body or tail is laid down at a muchhigher cost in terms of feed energy than lean meat. Also thecustomers in many instances show an increasing preferencefor lean meat. Therefore, either removing or reducing thesize of the fat tail of sheep can be an objective for the sheepproduction. This can be achieved by docking the fat tail orcrossing the fat-tailed breeds with tailed breeds (Kashan etal. 2005).

Table 1 (continued)

Breed Products Distribution

Washera Meat Ethiopia

White Karaman Meat, wool, milk Turkey, Syria

Wollo Wool Ethiopia

Zandi Meat Iran


Tab

le2

Linearbo

dymeasurementsof

fat-tailedsheepbreeds

Breed

Num

berof

anim

als

Bod

yleng

th(cm)

Chestgirth

(cm)

With

erdepth

(cm)

With

erwidth

(cm)

With

erheight

(cm)

Pelvicwidth

(cm)

Age

Reference

Menz

114

63.7±0.4

56.0±0.4

288±6days

Mukasa-Mugerwa

andEzaz(199

2)

60.1±4.5(SD)

67.7±5(SD)

60.1±4.3(SD)

Hibretet

al.(200

1)

5812

mon

ths

Erm

iaset

al.(200

6)

47.91

62.18

54.07

15.02

12mon

ths

Gizaw

etal.(200

8a)

4058

.5±4(SD)

65.7±4(SD)

57.5±5(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Horro

6212

mon

ths

Erm

iaset

al.(200

6)

3771

.6±6(SD)

76.9±8(SD)

70±6(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Awassi

1179

.67±4.42

72.25±1.51

6mon

ths♂

Mom

aniShakeret

al.(200

2)

178

70.61±3.995(SD)

87.81±5.929(SD)

35.41±2.575(SD)

71.57±3.33

1(SD)

19.00±1.38

3(SD)

1–6years

Topalet

al.(200

3)

198

60.2±0.3

69±0.4

23.8±0.16

14.5±0.11

60±0.3

13.9±0.09

5mon

ths

JawasrehandKhasawneh(200

7)

Red

Karam

an14

33.1±0.78

42.4±0.33

42.4±0.68

Atbirth

Yapraket

al.20

08

6670

.341

±4.516(SD)

71.614

±3.98

3(SD)

2–6years

TopalandMacit(200

4)

Makoei

576

54.16±5.90

(SD)

71.19±6.69

(SD)

61.29±6.05

(SD)

6–7mon

ths

Farahaniet

al.(201

0)

Ossim

i10

71.5±0.94

86.1±0.97

36.7±0.47

22.6±0.43

73.0±0.75

22.2±0.34

12months

Abdel-M

oneim

(200

9)

Barki

1072.7±0.95

96.6±0.98

39.8±0.48

23.7±0.44

74.1±0.76

21.6±0.34

12months

Abdel-M

oneim

(200

9)

Rahmani

1072.3±0.95

86.8±0.98

38.9±0.47

20.7±0.44

72.6±0.76

20.8±0.34

12months

Abdel-M

oneim

(200

9)

Mehraban

71.51

87.95

27.05

12mon

ths

Bathaei

(199

5)

Adilo

3662

.1±5(SD)

71.8±6(SD)

65.5±4(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

ArsiBale

3462

.3±8(SD)

73.3±6(SD)

64.1±6(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Bon

ga38

69.4±5(SD)

73.5±7(SD)

66.7±6(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Farta

3965

.7±7(SD)

72.0±7(SD)

67.9±5(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Sekota

4062

.2±6(SD)

69.9±5(SD)

62.3±6(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Sem

ien

3364.7±6(SD)

73.2±6(SD)

66.6±6(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Afar

1858

.3±8(SD)

70.6±6(SD)

63.6±8(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Tikur

3463

.6±6(SD)

69.7±6(SD)

64.1±6(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Washera

4466

.7±5(SD)

74.1±6(SD)

69.4±3(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Wollo

3761

.2±5(SD)

67.6±5(SD)

62.7±6(SD)

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Tswana

78.71±2.21

(SD)

30.21±1.58

(SD)

22.29±3.77

(SD)

2–3years

Owen

etal.(197

7)

46.4±0.9

60.2±0.9

12.3±0.3

51.9±0.6

12.9±0.3

0–12

mon

ths♂

Nsoso

etal.(20

04)

Ngu

ni62

.13–77

.22

54.03–63

.66

0–4years

Kun

eneet

al.(200

7)


Several authors reported variable effects of docking onfat deposition and distribution over the carcass of dockedfat-tailed lambs. Epstein (1961) found in Awassi lambsslaughtered at three months of age that nearly all the loss offat that would normally be stored in the tail wascompensated for by the greater amount of fat tissue andmuscle especially in the hindquarters of the dockedanimals. Joubert et al. (1962) observed no significantdeviations in respect of the conventional measurements ofsubcutaneous fat of docked mature Karakul ewes. Accord-ing to Marai et al. (1987), the height, the size of the foreand hind limbs, the chest girth, and the abdominal girth inOssimi sheep increased significantly (P<0.05) followingdocking.

In an experiment, male lambs born from NamaquaAfrikaner, Pedi, and Blackhead Persian ewes by NamaquaAfricaner rams underwent tail docking or retention of theirtails (Joubert and Ueckerman 1971). In addition to the

generally employed C and J measurements taken, respec-tively, on the back and ribs, deposition of subcutaneous fatwas measured with calipers across the shoulder, over therump, and on the sternum. The means of the two groups(intact vs docked) for the fat linear measurements were 1.57vs 1.46 cm, respectively, revealing no significant difference.Pure Karakul lambs showed a slight increase in backfatthickness (5.88 vs 5.73 mm) as a result of docking (Sheltonet al. 1991). The measures of subcutaneous fat thickness overthe LD and the last rib were not significantly differentbetween docked and intact Awassi ram lambs (Bicer et al.1992). Carcass characteristics of male Karakaş lams wereevaluated in terms of tail docking (Gökdal et al. 2003).Except for chest width and rump width, there were nodifferences in carcass measurements between the intact anddocked group. The values of chest width and rump widthwere higher in the docked than in the intact lambs (P<0.01and P<0.05), respectively. In the study, there were no

Fig. 1 Various types of fat tailin sheep breeds. a Bakhtiari, bBarki, c Blackhead Persian (Fatrumped), d Damara, e Horro, fWhite Karaman


Tab

le3

Tailmeasurementsof


Breed

Num

berof

anim

als

Ucircum

ference

(cm)

Mcircum

ference

(cm)

Lcircum

ference

(cm)

Uwidth

(cm)

Mwidth

(cm)

Lwidth

(cm)

Length(cm)

Com

ments

Reference

Torki-Ghashgaii

566.8±4.10

62.0±1.10

20.1±0.70

23.0±0.60

38.2±2.10

50kg

Safdarian

etal.(200

8)

Barbarine

8735

.37±0.73

36.58±0.67

13.51±0.28

14.03±0.29

18.44±0.21

4–12

mon

ths

Atti

andBen

Ham

ouda

(200

4)

Mehraban

37.79♂

34.75♀

23.16♂

21.05♀

28.39♂

26.07♀

12mon

ths

Bathaei

(199

5)

3476

.8±1

16.1±1.5

75.1±1.2

23.1±0.3

28.3±0.5

32.7±0.6

17–18months

Zam

iriandIzadifard(199

7)

Ghezel

2980

.0±1.1

33.0±2.2

81.1±1.1

23.8±0.03

29.7±0.5

33±0.6

17–18months

Zam

iriandIzadifard(199

7)

Menz

13.47

18.41

12mon

ths

Gizaw

etal.(200

8a)

407.9±0.31

17.0±0.94

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Lori-Bakhtiari

987

44.2±0.2

21±0.14

21.8±0.12

25.5±0.14

6mon

ths

VatankahandTalebi

(200

8)

Awassi

34.7±0.4

18.1±0.2

5mon

ths

JawasrehandKhasawneh(200

7)

Javanese

fat-tailed

4410.2

22.9

Bradfordet

al.(198

6)

Makoei

37.34±6.59

(SD)

39.36±8.15

35.63±7.74

23.76±3.71

25.11±3.44

21.72±3.47

6–7mon

ths

Farahaniet

al.(201

0)

Adilo

366.7±0.5

28.1±0.17

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

ArsiBale

346.2±0.51

28.4±1.02

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Bonga

388.1±0.48

25.9±1.46

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Farta

399.6±0.32

22.9±1.28

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Horro

379.9±0.49

35.6±0.98

4years

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Sekota

409.5±0.47

19.9±1.26

4yeas

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Sem

ien

339.6±0.34

12.8±1.04

4yeas

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Afar

1816

±2.12

19.1±1.65

4yeas

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Tikur

348.9±0.51

17.3±1.02

4yeas

Gizaw

etal.(200

8b)

Uup

per,M

middle,

Llow


differences (P>0.05) in the MLD area as well as in fatthickness over the MLD area. Marai and Bahgat (2003)published a review on the productive, reproductive perfor-mance traits, and the physiological functions of fat-tailedsheep as affected by docking.

Except for carcass length which was higher for dockedthan control Norduz lambs, no significant differences incarcass measurements were recorded. However, dockedlambs showed a tendency for slightly wider and longercarcass than control lambs. Docked lambs had slightlyhigher MLD areas than control lamps (P>0.05). There wereinsignificant differences in fat thickness over MLD area(Bingöl et al. 2006). Carcass fragments and fat depth at12th rib showed significant difference (P<0.05) betweencarcasses of docking and control, Badghisian lambs(Moharrery 2007). Fat tail docking of Sanjabi lambs hadan effect on chest depth (P<0.01) and leg width (P<0.05)but had no effect on the other carcass components (Sarvaret al. 2009). Some morphological comparative data of intactand docked fat-tailed sheep is presented in Table 7.

Sperm production was found to increase and spermabnormalities were found to decrease by docking Awassiram lambs (Juma and Dessouky 1969). Regarding the woolproduction, staple length and wool diameter at 1.5 and2.0 years of age were significantly (P<0.01) reduced bydocking in Rahmani sheep (Marai et al. 1992).

Pelt and wool

Karakul sheep are generally bred for pelt production. Thethree main economically important pelt traits are patternscore, curl development, and hair quality. Skin thickness isconsidered as a secondary trait (Schoeman 1998). Peltthickness and fur characteristics of Karakul lambs wererecorded by Hardy and Simmons (1943). The authors paidattention to ear skin thickness which ranged from 0.93 to1.87 mm. Skin thickness was found to vary considerablyover the pelt and to decrease from the back toward the bellyarea. There was a significant relationship between ear skinthickness of lambs and the leather thickness at the shoulderand middle back. Lubow (1954) provided an account on the

sequence and growth of primary and secondary fiberfollicles in Karakul sheep from the 45th day of uterine lifeuntil 8 years. Two basic generations of fiber follicles wereproduced by Karakul fetuses, and no further generationswere initiated during post-natal life. The primary and thesecondary follicles were established during fetal life with aratio defined as 1:2–5. In the Karakul sheep of SouthernAfrica, four major pelt types could be identified, namelypipe curl, developed shallow curl, shallow curl, and watersilk types (Dreyer et al. 1983). Skin thickness and hairthickness were positively correlated (rp=0.56; rg=0.72)while curl type and curl breadth were phenotypically andgenetically negatively correlated (rp=−0.52; rg=−0.71)with each other (Greeff et al. 1991). Color variation andinheritance of pelt traits in Karakul sheep have beenreviewed by Schoeman (1998). The author also surveyedthe genetic and environmental factors influencing thequality of pelt traits.

The staple length is one of the important features indetermining the wool value since it influences his price.The fiber length is considered an important factor in woolprocessing whereas the fiber diameter has long beenrecognized as an important factor in evaluating fleece(Ghoneim et al. 1974). Wool characteristics (mean±SEM)of fat-tailed sheep are summarized in Table 8. The shoulderregion of Ossimi had finer wool than the hip region sincethe mean diameter of fibers was 35.0±0.31 and 39.3±0.31 μm for the shoulder and hip regions, respectively. Thediameter of the wool was not uniform all over the fleece.The fibers of the shoulder region were shorter than those ofthe hip region. The mean number of fibers was 1,384±21fibers per square centimeter which is considered very lowwhen compared with other breeds (Badreldin et al. 1952).Age proved to have no significant effect on the woolcharacteristics of the Awassi sheep (Sharafeldin 1965). Theauthor attributed the lack of age effect to the developmentof the hair follicles at an early age. Significant positivecorrelations were found between grease fleece weight andfiber length and between number of crimps and fiberdiameter. Wool samples from Barki yearlings revealed atendency for posterior positions to have higher values

Table 4 Udder measurements of fat-tailed sheep breeds

Breed Number ofanimals

Udder circumference(cm)

Udder width(cm)

Udder length(cm)

Teat circumference(cm)

Teat length(cm)

Reference

Mehraban 22 48.4±0.9 7.1±0.2 16.4 ±0.4 5.4±0.1 3.0±0.1 Izadifard and Zamiri(1997)

Ghezel 19 50.9±1.0 7.7±0.2 16.6±0.3 6.1±0.2 3.3±0.1 Izadifard and Zamiri(1997)

Kermani 55 37.66±0.42 6.02±0.062 11.97±0.142 5.26±0.056 2.64±0.62 Kahtuei et al. (2008)

Awassi 273 40.1±0.3 13.5±0.1 10.7±0.1 3.4±0.04 Iñiguez et al. (2009)


dorsally and laterally in the mean diameter, percentagemedullation, and percentage kemp fibers (Guirgis1973). Fine fiber percentage showed a reversed patternof gradient anterior positions having the higher values.The closest similarity for the mean fiber diameter waswith the hip region and for the percentage coarse fiberswith the withers. The mid-side region showed the closestsimilarity of all for the measurements of percentage finefibers, percentage kemp fibers, and staple length. Staplelength is one of the important characteristics in determin-ing the wool values of breeding sheep, since it influencesthe price as well as the amount of clean wool in a fleece(Ghoneim et al. 1974). According to the authors, the dailygain in staple length for Karadi wool was found to beapproximately 0.53 mm. In the same breed, the fiberlength increased gradually with advance in age. Tabbaa etal. (2001) reported on the variation in fleece character-istics of Awassi sheep at different ages. The percentage ofmedullated, inner and outer coat, and kemp fibers were12±0.3, 60±0.3, 34±0.2, and 6.3±0.16%, respectively.Age–sex group had a significant effect on staple and fiberlength. The fiber diameter and percentages of medullated,kemp, and inner fibers were significantly affected bybody location. The authors discussed extensively thefleece linear characteristics in relation to other fat-tailedbreeds. Heritability estimates for wool linear traits andcorrelations between body weight and fleece character-istics of Awassi sheep summarized by Juma and Alkass(2006). The heritability of staple length, fiber length, andfiber diameter was 0.24, 0.35, and 0.28, respectively. Thegenetic correlation of staple length and fiber diameter washigh (r=0.93) whereas the correlation of body weightwith fiber length was 0.62. Elevated correlation (r=0.69)was also reported for the clean fleece weight and fiberdiameter. On the other hand, the phenotypic correlationsbetween body weight and linear fleece traits were low ornegative. In Menz breed, the staple length calculated tohave a heritability estimate of 0.33±0.14 (Gizaw et al.2007). Phenotypic and genetic correlations between staplelength and body weight were low. Sample site on thebody of Libyan Barbary sheep significantly affected bothstaple length and fiber diameter (Akraim et al. 2008).Samples from hip showed the shortest staple length andthe thickest fiber diameter (P<0.05), whereas those takenfrom mid-side region could be representative of Barbarysheep.

Shearing increased chest girth, chest depth, andabdomen girth (P<0.05) in Ossimi docked lambs (Maraiet al. 1987). Also, a considerable increase of MLD area(16.82±1.84 cm2 for shorn vs 12.22±0.63 cm2 forunshorn sheep) and an increase of fat thickness (3.40±0.36 mm for shorn vs 2.25±0.48 mm for unshorn sheep)were recorded.T

able

5Carcass

linearmeasurementsof


Breed

Num

berof

anim

als

Carcass

leng

th(cm)

Chestdepth(cm)

Chestgirth(cm)

Leg

depth(cm)

Leg

width

(cm)

Com

ments

Reference

Awassi

1198

.58±1.97

16.28±0.67

Age,6mon

ths

Mom

aniShakeret

al.(200

2)

47±1.3

68±0.9

17±0.6

20±0.4

Age,15

5days

Macitet

al.(200

2)

104.2±0.8

BW,40

kgAbd

ullahandQud

sieh

(200

8)

Red

Karam

an49

±1.3

72±0.9

18±0.6

22±0.4

Age,15

5days

Macitet

al.(200

2)

5473

.3±0.44

26.1±0.22

74.9±0.49

Age,4–12

mon

ths

TekeandŰnal(200

9)

Tushin

44±1.5

65±1.1

15±0.6

20±0.4

Age,15

5days

Macitet

al.(200

2)

White

Karam

an21

975

.3±0.28

26.7±0.11

75.6±0.25

Age,4–12

mon

ths

TekeandŰnal(200

9)

Ossim

i54

.0±0.56

Age,1year

Abd

el-M

oneim

(200

9)

Barki

53.0±0.57

Age,1year

Abd

el-M

oneim

(200

9)

Rahmani

52.8±0.56

Age,1year

Abd

el-M

oneim

(200

9)

Karakaş

1068

.2±1.52

25.6±0.32

9.1±0.37

7.3±0.2

Age,6mon

ths

Gök

dalet

al.(200

4)

Karakul

5758

.16

28.67

10mon

ths−10

years

Hankins

etal.(195

1)


Tab

le6

Measurementsof

M.long

issimus

andassociated

fat

Breed

Num

berof

anim

als

Width

(mm)

Length(m

m)

Area(cm

2)

Fat

thicknessover

ML(m

m)

Bodyweightor

age

Reference

Awassi

1259

.5±2.6(SD)

29.2±2.2(SD)

340

kg♂

Gün

ey(199

0)

2011.98±1.22

1.70

±0.24

182–21

5days

♂Esenbug

aet

al.(200

1)

1155

.83±2.70

26.08±1.59

12.15±1.18

6.58

±1.60

6mon

ths♂

Mom

aniShakeret

al.(200

2)

511.9±1.1

1.7±0.25

6mon

ths

Macitet

al.(200

2)

1062

.7±0.8

26.8±0.6

11.8±0.4

4.1±0.4

40kg

Abd

ullahandQud

sieh

(200

8)

53.15

9.98

4.98

40kg

Orm

anet

al.(200

8)

756

.121

.79.86

1.7

70days

or18

.6kg

Obeidat

andAloqaily

(201

0)

53.50±3.70

25.40±1.49

10.09±0.43

4.74

±0.21

40kg

♂Orm

anet

al.(201

0)

AwassiX

Tushin

2015

.20±1.22

1.40

±0.24

182–21

5days

♂Esenbug

aet

al.(200

1)

Zandi

15.9±1.11

204days

Kashanet

al.(200

5)

915

.9±0.8

6mon

ths

Khaldariet

al.(200

7)

Chaal

17.2±1.1

204days

Kashanet

al.(200

5)

916

.6±0.98

195days

Khaldariet

al.(200

7)

Red

Karam

an20

12.95±1.22

1.90

±0.24

182–21

5days

♂Esenbug

aet

al.(200

1)

513

.0±0.27

4.0±0.3

50kg

♂Macit(200

2)

512

.9±1.1

1.9±0.25

6mon

ths

Macitet

al.(200

2)

814

.06±0.58

6.48

±0.36

6.5mon

ths♂

Emsenet

al.(200

2)

1010

.46±0.54

♂10

.0±0.49

♀6months

Kirmizibayraket

al.(200

3)

13.1±0.27

10.5

mon

ths

Yapraket

al.(200

8)

Tushin

2010

.77±1.22

1.60

±0.24

182–21

5days

♂Esenbug

aet

al.(200

1)

811.07±0.46

6.77

±0.52

6.5mon

ths♂

Emsenet

al.(200

2)

410

.2±1.2

1.5±0.28

6mon

ths

Macitet

al.( 200

2)

109.84

±0.37

♂8.90

±0.51

♀6months

Kirmizibayraket

al.(200

3)

Karakul

1327.1±1

54.4±1.3

6months♂

Farid

(199

1)

Mehraban

1326

.8±0.9

56.7±1.1

6mon

ths♂

Farid

(199

1)

248.3±2.43

(SD)

9mon

ths♂

Fozoo

niandZam

iri(200

7)

26.6±3.5(SD)

3.6±1.4(SD)

8mon

ths♂

IzadifardandZam

iri(200

7)

Baluchi

1825

.1±0.8

53.9±1.0

6mon

ths♂

Farid

(199

1)

White

Karam

an10

.67±0.20

2.01

±0.08

30kg

♂Tufan

andAkm

az(200

1)

2014

.67±0.74

3.50

±0.21

45kg

♂Ünalet

al.(200

6)

4012

.25±0.14

4.48

±0.08

41.59±0.54

kgSahin

etal.(200

8)

Ossim

i16.5±0.90

12months

Abdel-M

oneim

(200

9)

1017

.5±1.5

9and12

mon

ths

Barkawiet

al.(200

9)

Barki

14.7±0.90

12mon

ths♂

Abdel-M

oneim

(200

9)

Rahmani

16.9±0.90

12mon

ths♂

Abdel-M

oneim

(200

9)


Tab

le6

(con

tinued)

Breed

Num

berof

anim

als

Width

(mm)

Length(m

m)

Area(cm

2)

Fat

thicknessov

erML(m

m)

Bodyweigh

tor

age

Reference

1019

.1±1.5

9and12

mon

ths

Barkawiet

al.(200

9)

Karakaş

1013

.8±1.11

1.68

±0.13

6mon

ths♂

Gök

dalet

al.(200

4)

Afar

56.1

1year

or18

.2±1.76

kg♂

Hagos

andMelaku(200

9)

Kangal-White

Karam

an10.38±0.31

1.41

±0.06

30kg

♂Tufan

andAkm

az(200

1)

Gün

eyKaram

an9.67

±0.32

1.87

±0.08

30kg

♂Tufan

andAkm

az(200

1)

Ghezel

27.6±3.5(SD)

3.4±1.3(SD)

8mon

ths♂

IzadifardandZam

iri(200

7)

247.6±1.65

(SD)

9mon

ths♂

Fozoo

niandZam

iri(200

7)

Tab

le7

Morphological

traitsof

fat-tailedsheepas

affected

bydocking

Breed

Karakaş

Sanjabi

Nordu

zTuj

Ossim

iBadghisian

Intact

(14)

Docked(9)

Intact

(12)

Docked(12)

Intact

(10)

Docked(10)

Intact

(8)

Docked(9)

Intact

(15)

Docked(15)

Intact

(14)

Docked(14)

Carcass

leng

th(cm)

54.9±1.06

55.6±0.62

57.00±1

.53

57.67±1.20

54±0.70

57±1.15

Sho

ulderwidth

(cm)

15.8±0.67

16.2±0.37

17.33±1.09

17.83±1.42

15.1±0.46

16.1±0.39

Chestdepth(cm)

24.9±0.48

26.0±0.31

26.00±0.50

29.66±0.33

25.1±0.39

25.7±0.53

Chestwidth

(cm)

16.5±0.48

18.9±0.72

17.33±1.01

20.00±0.57

17.0±0.32

17.7±0.51

Leg

length

(cm)

28.9±0.28

28.8±0.47

37.66±1.33

37.33±0.33

28.6

±0.55

29.0±0.61

Leg

depth(cm)

8.7±0.33

8.8±0.12

34.00±1.00

34.33±0.33

8.9±0.45

8.7±0.31

Leg

width

(cm)

6.3±0.21

6.4±0.19

13.16±0.92

17.16±0.60

6.2±0.23

6.0±0.17

Rum

pwidth

(cm)

18.0±0.48

19.2±0.26

16.50±1.25

19.00±0.28

18.8±0.44

18.9±0.41

M.long

issimus

area

(cm

2)

19.3±1.08

18.6±0.90

16.8±0.74

19.1±1.18

12.01±0.34

11.02±0.45

13.44±1.49

15.84±1.99

12.7

13.8

Fat

thicknessover

LD

(mm)

2.1±0.21

2.7±0.41

2.4±0.22

2.6±0.25

3.92

±0.47

4.43

±0.63

2.18

±0.46

3.10

±0.33

4.4

6.0

Com

ments

♂14

0days

♂19

0days

♂14

0days

♂6mon

ths

♂♀

50weeks

♂

Reference

Gök

dalet

al.(200

3)Sarvaret

al.(200

9)Bingö

let

al.(200

6)Tilk

iet

al.(201

0)Marai

etal.(198

7)Moharrery

(200

7)

The

numbers

inparenthesesrepresentthenu

mberof

anim

als


Reproduction

Female

Much of the information on ovarian follicular differentia-tion in breeds of sheep with different prolificacies has beenobtained using classical anatomical techniques (Webb et al.1989). Female reproductive performance is an importantdeterminant of production efficiency and number ofoffspring produced per female, though its lifetime perfor-mance is of great consideration in animal production. Theunderstanding of the ovarian follicle development is a keyfactor in animal science especially in the context of fertilityand in the development of techniques that maximize it(Evans 2003).

The ovulation rates were 1.07, 1.13, 0.94, and 0.95 forthe Karakul, Mehraban, Naeini, and Bakhtiari breeds,respectively (P<0.01). There was a non-significant declinein the mean ovulation rate during the months of March toJune (Sefidbahkt et al. 1978). Follicular development was

measured as the number of follicles within each size class.Karakul ewes had more 3 to 6 and >10 mm follicles thanthe other breeds (P<0.05) while Mehraban ewes had more7 to 10 mm follicles than Naeini and Bakhtiari ewes (P<0.05). Karakul ewes had more follicles in total than Naeiniand Bakhtiari ewes, while Mehraban ewes were intermedi-ate (P<0.05). The results of the comparison of the right andleft ovarian activity showed that it is more in the right thanin the left ovary as judged by the observation of a higheraverage number of corpora lutea (CL) per ewe in the rightovary (0.58 vs 0.43, P<0.01). The same trend was alsoobserved for total number of follicles although it was notstatistically significant. The breed X side interaction wasnot significant, neither for corpora lutea nor for totalfollicles, while the breed X month interaction was signifi-cant only for total follicles (Sefidbahkt et al. 1978).

Ali et al. (2006) characterized daily and seasonally theovarian follicular dynamics and luteal functions of Ossimibreed in the subtropics. Ovulations were distributed equallybetween the right and left ovaries. The total number of

Table 8 Wool characteristics of fat-tailed sheep

Breed Staple length (cm) Fiber length (cm) Fiber diameter (μm) Comments Reference

Awassi 16.47 17.37 33.32 Age, 18–48 months Sharafeldin (1965)

12.78±0.29 35.74±0.59 Age, 1 year Guirgis et al. (1978)

14±0.18 24±0.26 36±0.33 Age, 6–84 months Tabbaa et al. (2001)

12.185±0.212 (SD) 14. 79±0.26 (SD) 33.5±0.443 (SD) Shoulder ribs thigh Keskin and Dag (2009)

Karakaş 30.03±1.52 (SD) Karakus et al. (2005)

Libyan Barbary 12.16 38.43 Shoulder ribs thigh Akraim et al. (2008)

Red Karaman 10.12 Kaymakçi et al. (2001)

15.525±1,696 (SD) 36.716±0.928 (SD) Shoulder ribs thigh ♀ Erişir and Ozbey (2005)

Ossimi 36.7±0.51 37.2±0.22 Shoulder hip 9 month ♀ Badreldin et al. (1952)

Karadi 19.3±0.48 23.5±0.58 48.1±0.56 Shoulder ♀ Ghoneim et al. (1974)

14.83±1.56 40.69±2.60 Age, 1 year Guirgis et al. (1978)

Norduz 32.24±1.18 (SD) Karakus et al. (2005)

Barki 9.14±0.120 30.34±0.144 Age, 1 year Guirgis (1973)

White Karaman 9.92±0.354 (SD) 7.5±0.378 (SD) 26.44±0.409 (SD) Shoulder Arik et al. (2003)

Adilo 4.4±2 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Arsi Bale 4.2±1 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Bonga 2.9±1 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Farta 7.5±3 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Horro 2.6±1 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Menz 6.28±1.43–7.05±1.24 (SD) Age, 1 year Gizaw et al. (2007)

7.9±3 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Sekota 6.5±5 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Semien 8.2±3 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Afar 3.2±3 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Tikur 7.4±3 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Washera 6.3±3 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)

Wollo 7.9±4 (SD) Age, 4 years Gizaw et al. (2008b)


follicles ≥2 mm in diameter observed differed significantlyamong seasons; the number was significantly higher inwinter. Season affected the corpora lutea morphologically(size) and tended to affect them functionally. Autumnseemed to be the most favorable season for the function ofthe corpora lutea.

The characteristics of follicular populations during theestrous cycle of Sanjabi ewes have been studied byShabankareh et al. (2010). From day 1 to day 16 afterovulation, a significant day effect for the mean total numberof follicles was recorded (P<0.01). The greatest number offollicles was recorded during the mid-estrous cycle. Therewere no significant differences in the total number of verysmall (<2 mm) follicles recorded between those ovarieswithout a CL on the ovary and those with double ovulationsor CL’s. However, the number of small (2–2.4 mm),medium (3.5–5 mm), and large follicles (>5 mm) in eweswithout a CL was significantly higher (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively) compared with ewes with doubleovulations on certain days of the estrous cycle.

The postpartum fertility in sheep depends on two mainfactors: the involution of the uterus and the onset ofpostpartum ovarian cyclicity (Kiracofe 1980; Hayder andAli 2008). A comparison of uterine horn’s length anduterine body’s diameter at 23 days postpartum in Karakul,Mehraban, Naeini, and Bakhtiari ewes showed breed aswell as season differences (Sefidbakht et al. 1977).Regarding the horn length, the measurements were 16.14±0.81, 16.84±0.95, 13.76±1.12, and 18.31±1.18 cm,respectively. The uterine body diameters were 3.19±0.09,2.99±0.10, 2.57±0.12, and 3.12±0.13 cm, respectively.According to Babaei and Ayen (2005), the mean length ofthe uterine body of Makuii ewes declined until 28 daysafter lambing, but statistically maximum reduction was seenat about 14 days after parturition (P<0.05). Also the meandiameter of gravid and non-gravid horn rapidly declineduntil 14 days postpartum (P<0.05), but reduction continueduntil 42 days postpartum (P>0.05). Involution of the uterusin Makuii ewes was completed about 28 days postpartumfor the uterine body and about 14 days for both the gravidand non-gravid horn. The overall interval for completeuterine involution averaged 31.9±1.2 days, and the diam-eter of the previously gravid horn could not be estimated byday 3 postpartum in most of Farafra ewes (Hayder and Ali2008). The diameter in this day was larger than 6 cm. Thediameter decreased to 4.5 cm rapidly between day 7 andday 14 postpartum (>50%), but more steadily (3.2 to2.8 cm) from day 14 to day 32 postpartum (P<0.01).

Variation in placental size and function may play a veryimportant role in conceptus growth and survival (Wilson2002). Total placentomes in Menz sheep averaged 56±14with 39±13 large ones (≥1.5 cm diameter). There was apositive relationship between number of placentomes and

lamb birth weight (Mukasa-Mugerwa and Lahlou-Kassi1995). Ocak et al. (2009) investigated the placental traits inTuj, Awassi, and Red Karaman ewes. The cotyledonnumber (CN) of Tuj (69.25±6.15 SD) was greater thanthe CN of Red Karaman (59.24±4.72 SD) and Awassi(58.71±7.24 SD). The authors recorded a positive relation-ship between litter weight and CN (r=0.521, P<0.05).

Male

The contribution of a ram to reproductive efficiency and toproduction of meat or milk or pelt is of great importancebecause each ram or its semen represents half of the geneticcomposition of its progeny. Testicular weight is animportant trait and provides an accurate estimate of theamount of sperm-producing parenchyma in the testis (Maraiet al. 2008). However, testicular weight cannot be measureddirectly in breeding rams. For this reason, indirect measure-ments have been developed. These measurements are linear(scrotal circumference, SC) and spatial (testicular volume).The measurement of SC is an accurate predictor of bothtesticular weight and sperm output in growing rams. Thepotential of testicular measurements, particularly scrotalcircumference as selection criteria for improving malefertility, has been shown in various animals (Toe et al.2000). The testicular traits (mean±SEM) of fat-tailed sheepare presented in Table 9.

The relationship of testicular growth and size to age,body weight, and onset of puberty in Menz ram lambs hasbeen studied by Mukasa-Mugerwa and Ezaz (1992). Scrotalcircumferences increased linearly and was strongly corre-lated with age, body weight, wither height, and heart girth(r=0.83 to 0.85, P<0.01). In Horro breed, the testiculardiameter was highly correlated with body weight in bothmature and lamb rams (r=0.95, P<0.01). The scrotalcircumference varied significantly between ram lambs andadults. Also the strength of its correlation with body weightdiffered with age (Gojjam et al. 1995). A study wasconducted to investigate the effect of season and to estimateheritabilities and genetic correlations among semen charac-teristics and testicular measurements of Menz and Horrosheep (Rege et al. 2000). Semen collected in the wet seasonhad higher spermatozoa concentration while samplescollected in the dry season had higher proportion ofabnormalities. The correlation of SC with semen volumewas medium (r=0.55) in 12-month-old rams. Scrotalcircumference was consistently and positively correlatedwith body measurements (r=0.28 to 0.46) in Menz rams(Hibret et al. 2001).

No significant correlations between live weight and SCin Persian Karakul rams were recorded (Kafi et al. 2004).Kridli and Al-Yacoub (2006) investigated the sexualperformance of Awassi ram lambs reared in different sex


Tab

le9

Testescharacteristicsof

fat-tailedsheep

Breed

Num

berof

anim

als

Scrotal

circum

ference

(cm)

Testis

diam

eter

(cm)

Testis

leng

th(m

m)

Testis

width

(mm)

Testicular

volume(m

l)or

relativ

etesticular

volume

(ml/k

g)

Age

orBW

Reference

Awassi

511.35ml/k

g3–4years

Tahaet

al.(200

0)

1131

.34

4years

Bilg

inet

al.(200

4)

1026

.2±0.93

39.8±3.80

12mon

ths

Emsen(200

5)

510

.9±0.32

ml/k

g3–4years

Gϋn

doğanandSerteser(200

5)

830

.9±0.3

2years

Kridliet

al.(200

6)

9332

.5±0.3

2–6years

Tabbaaet

al.(200

6)

827

.4±0.2

10mon

ths

Kridliet

al.(200

7)

Red

Karam

an10

26.0±0.93

42.4±3.80

12mon

ths

Emsen(200

5)

Karakul

86±4

51±2

195±16

6mon

ths

Farid

(199

1)

632

.0±0.48

3–4years

Kafiet

al.(200

4)

Menz

114

21.5±0.3

288±6days

Muk

asa-Mug

erwaandEzaz(199

2)

23.2±0.21

4.58

±0.43

75.7±0.76

12mon

ths

Toe

etal.(200

0)

25.5±3.9(SD)

Hibretet

al.(200

1)

Mehraban

95±4

53±2

231±14

6mon

ths

Farid

(199

1)

34.97±0.19

3–4years

Zam

iriandKho

daei

(200

5)

Baluchi

81±3

46±2

163±13

6mon

ths

Farid

(199

1)

Horro

21.3±0.83

3.4±0.12

6mon

ths

Gojjam

etal.(199

5)

23.5±0.30

4.65

±0.72

76.8±1.11

12mon

ths

Toe

etal.(200

0)

Ghezel

36.75±0.21

3–4years

Zam

iriandKho

daei

(200

5)

Nordu

z4

33.08±0.58

6.94

±0.13

3–5years

Mertet

al.(200

9)

Karakaş

233

.75±0.80

7.30

±0.19

3–5years

Mertet

al.(200

9)

Arsi

19.6±0.3

16–1

7.2kg

Danaet

al.(200

0)

Arabi

27.17±1.18–3

0.58

±1.11

22.36±5.64–2

6.35

±5.26

3–5years

Dorostgho

alet

al.(200

9)

59.9±0.4ml/k

g4years

Gϋn

doğan(200

7)

White

Karam

an5

10.6±0.34

ml/k

g3–4years

Gϋn


5)

Barki

59.8±0.22

ml/k

g3–4years

Tahaet

al.(200

0)

Ngu

ni18

.00–

27.58

0–4years

Kun

eneet

al.(200

7)


composition groups. Ram lambs in the all-male group wereheavier and had greater SC than those in the mixed group.Body weight and SC were positively correlated (r=0.6, P<0.01). Testicular measurements were significantly influenced(P<0.01) by parental size, age of lamb, and body weight ofAwassi lamb (Salhab et al. 2001). Correlation among thetesticular measurements and factors affecting testiculardevelopment showed that body weight of Awassi growinglambs was more correlated with the various testicularmeasurements than was age. The authors presented regressionequations in order to describe the relationship betweentesticular dimensions or volume and the age as well as thebody weight of ram lambs. The testes volume ofbreed varied significantly between months (Gϋndoğan 2007).

The seasonal variations in semen characteristics ofOssimi and Rahmani breeds were evaluated by Hafez etal. (1955). Monthly fluctuations in all characteristics wererecorded. Among them, semen volume, concentration, andpercentage of live sperm were statistically significant. Thevolume of Awassi semen ejaculate reached its maximumlevel during the autumn and its minimum during the spring(Amir and Volcani 1965). The effect of both season anddocking on semen characters of Awassi rams in Iraq wasinvestigated by Juma and Dessouky (1969). Ejaculatevolume was the lowest during winter (December) and thehighest during autumn (May). Sperm concentration andsperm number displayed their highest levels during May toSeptember. The age and weight of growing Awassi ramshad a significant effect on semen volume and spermconcentration (Salhab et al. 2003). The mean spermconcentration increased with the age of the lambs up to19 months, with some variation thereafter. The correlationcoefficient between semen volume and total sperm outputwas highly significant (r=0.85, P<0.01) in Persian Karakulrams (Kafi et al. 2004). Sperm concentration in Mehrabanrams was significantly higher from mid-September to earlyOctober whereas sperm concentration of Ghezel ram washighest (P<0.05) during late June to mid-September (Zamiriand Khodaei 2005). Body weight was well correlated withscrotal circumference (r=0.73) while the correlation with theejaculate volume was lower (r=0.23) in Jordan Awassi sheep(Tabbaa et al. 2006). Monthly variations in semen character-istics were recorded in rams (Gϋndoğan 2007). Theejaculate volume and sperm concentration were higherduring autumn (October) and lower in summer (June). Thesemen characteristics (mean±SEM) of fat-tailed sheep aresummarized in Table 10.

Discussion

The linear measurements that characterize body conforma-tion should include at least body length, height at withers,

heart girth, ear length, and horn length according to theguidelines of ITWG/AGenR (2010). These suggestionsapply also to fat-tailed sheep since from the currentlyreviewed papers, traits, such as heart girth and height atwithers, are significantly correlated with other productivefeatures.

Among the quantitative variables which are proposedfrom the above-mentioned guidelines is also the tail length.Many fat tail measurements are correlated well among themand among other productive characteristics. Due to differ-ences among breeds regarding the size and the shape of thefat tail, such relations should be investigated in each breed(Zamiri and Izadifard 1997). The fat tail measurementscould be a potential experimental organ in animal researchin order to perform noninvasive investigations.

The studies on the udder traits of fat-tailed sheep are limited.Iñiguez et al. (2009) discussed extensively the variability ofudder measurements and their correlations among the sheepbreeds. The teat measurements and their correlations inAwassi sheep fill the gap of the literature. Udder circumfer-ence and teat width appeared to have significant correlationwith total milk yield. The same observation was recorded inother breeds. Another anatomical factor which needs furtherstudy is the udder cistern of fat-tailed sheep. Ultrasonographyis an easy and noninvasive method for evaluating the size ofudder cisterns and the milk storage capacity of the udders indairy ewes, which may lead to increase milk yield andmilking ability simultaneously (Rovai et al. 2008).

Carcass linear measurements and dimensions of MLDvaried among and within breeds. Various authors haverecorded positive results regarding the carcass traits interms of crossbreeding fat-tailed breeds with other breeds(Güney 1990; Shelton et al. 1991; Momani Shaker et al.2002; Gökdal et al. 2004; Ünal et al. 2006). However, moredetailed and larger-scale experiments are required.

In the past, tail fat was used as a source of cooking oiland supplied a considerable portion of dietary energy. Inrecent years, such uses have almost disappeared (Zamiriand Izadifard 1997). The fat tail also creates matingdifficulties (Kridli et al. 2007). Tail docking is used inorder to improve productive characteristics. The effect oftail docking on carcass traits has been focused amongothers to carcass measurements, MLD area and backfatthickness. From the majority of the reviewed studies, nosignificant differences in docked and intact sheep wererecorded. However, the effect of docking on carcassmeasurements is not well documented. In general, allcarcass measurements of docked animals tended to behigher than those of the intact lambs, with the exception ofthe MLD area, though the means of the groups did notdiffer (P>0.05). In contrast, it has been reported in studieson other fat-tailed sheep breeds that the MLD area waspositively affected by docking (Marai et al. 1987).


Tab

le10

Sem

encharacteristicsof

fat-tailedsheep

Breed

Num

berof

anim

als

Sem

envo

lume

(ml)

Livesperm

cell

(%)

Total

sperm

output

(×10

6)

Sperm

concentration

(×10

6/m

l)Abn

ormal

sperm

(%)

Com

ments

Reference

Karakul

61.2±0.12

90.2±1.18

4,44

2±50

9Age,3–

4years

Kafiet

al.(200

4)

Awassi

71.02

89.75

2,12

34.05

JumaandDessouk

y(196

9)

50.92

±0.04

4,98

0±35

05,16

0±23

0Syrian

Tahaet

al.(200

0)

50.69

±0.04

3,84

0±27

05,39

0±17

0Egy

ptian

Tahaet

al.(200

0)

141.2±0.5(SD)

4,00

0±16

0(SD)

Age,11–3

0mon

ths

Salhabet

al.(200

3)

55,00

0±70

3.5±0.10

Age,3–

4years

Gϋn


5)

80.9±0.2

1,40

0±50

021

±2.8

Age,2years

Kridliet

al.(200

6)

931.24

±0.10

3,28

5±38

012

.6±1.6

Age,2–

6years

Tabbaaet

al.(200

6)

Barki

50.72

±0.04

3,69

0±30

04,73

0±20

0Tahaet

al.(200

0)

Najdi

1376

.4±6.9

2,25

1.6±22

7.4

Abd

el-Rahman

etal.(200

0)

Naemi

879

.9±8.1

2,46

8.4±23

9.6

Abd

el-Rahman

etal.(200

0)

Ghezel

41.30

±0.03

72.16±0.81

4,84

0±16

03,71

0±60

29.35

Age,3–

4years

Zam

iriandKho

daei

(200

5)

Mehraban

41.45

±0.03

73.45±0.55

5,32

0±17

03,64

0±70

26.5

Age,3–

4years

Zam

iriandKho

daei

(200

5)

Nordu

z4

1.07

±0.10

4,23

0±53

06.07

±0.35

Mertet

al.(200

9)

Karakaş

20.93

±0.14

4,00

0±70

06.00

±0.43

Mertet

al.(200

9)

Arsi

40.36

±0.1

BW,16–1

7.2kg

Danaet

al.(200

0)

Ossim

i9

0.95

Hafez

etal.(195

5)

Rahmani

31.17

Hafez

etal.(195

5)

White

Karam

an5

4,70

0±80

3.9±0.12

Age,3–

4years

Gϋn


5)

Lory

70.97–1

4,49

0-4.52

0Kheradm

andandBabaei(200

6)

50.6±0.1

3,80

0±20

03.7±0.8

4years

Gϋn

doğan(200

7)


Wool sample site on the body of fat-tailed sheep affectedvariously the fiber traits of fat-tailed sheep. According tothe guidelines of ITWG/AGenR (2010), the hair lengthshould be recorded on the backline or at the rump.Heritability estimates for staple length, fiber diameter, andfiber length are not available for fat-tailed sheep except forAwassi and Barbarine. These few estimates are inferior tothose reviewed by Safari et al. (2005) in other breeds ofsheep. The phenotypic and genetic correlations for fleecetraits of fat-tailed sheep are sparse.

The impact of docking (at birth) and of shearing (atweaning) has been studied in Ossimi breed (Marai et al.1987) and indications for potential importance arose. Thedocking followed by shearing should be further studied inother fat-tailed breeds in order to elucidate the synergy ofthe two procedures.

The time to completion of uterine involution has beenreported to vary among the reviewed fat-tailed breeds.Similar variations have been reported in other breeds rearedin other climatic conditions (Hayder and Ali 2008).However, the postpartum involution of fat-tailed breedsappeared slightly slower in relation to other breeds wherethe uterine involuted approximately by 25 days (Kiracofe1980).

The testicular measurements of fat-tailed sheep weregenerally correlated well with body weight. Similarcorrelations were recorded in other sheep breeds (Salhabet al. 2001). Ejaculate volume and sperm concentrationshowed different trends during the seasons of the year.Sperm abnormalities varied between fat-tailed breedspresenting a wide range from 3.5% in Awassi ram to29.35% in Ghezel ram. The differences in spermatologicalparameters might be due to breed, age, feeding andmanagement, evaluation technique, semen collection time,and season (Gϋndoğan and Serteser 2005).

The best known breeds of the fat-tailed group are Awassiand Karakul. There is a lot of information regarding thesebreeds because they have spread worldwide as pure orcrossbred animals. Other fat-tailed breeds are raised infamiliar or village conditions and represent a source ofinformation which has to be exploited. Galal et al. (2008)published a review on the Awassi sheep as a geneticresource and the efforts for their genetic improvement. Theauthors outlined the importance of this breed in aworldwide environment. Such efforts for improvement areproposed for other fat-tailed breeds.

Conclusions

In the present study, the representative morphological traitsand some reproductive features of fat-tailed sheep breedswere surveyed. Linear body measurements, fat tail dimen-

sions, carcass quantitative traits, udder measurements,wool, and pelt morphological properties were compiled.Additionally, andrological parameters and female reproduc-tive features were collected. While normally regarded asmeat production breeds, the fat-tailed breeds also supplyproducts such as wool, pelt, and milk of high quality.

The direct comparison of metrical data is not a suitablemode to evaluate individually each fat-tailed breed. This isdue to the fact that various factors influence the status, theproductive and reproductive performance of each animal.During the current bibliographic search, a problem ofuniformity regarding the definitions of traits (especially linearmeasurements) was revealed. There is a need for a uniformterminology of linear measurements and other traits in order toassure a uniform interpretation of the results and to facilitatethe direct comparisons between and within breeds. Theintegration of phenotypic characterization as was proposedfrom the ITWG/AnGR (2010) should also be implemented infat-tailed breeds. Heritability estimates as well as genetic andphenotypic correlations should be incorporated in the studiesof the productive and reproductive traits.

Many of the studies reviewed have focused in certainfat-tailed breeds and in certain morphological character-istics. Many other breeds have to be studied and many morefeatures should be recorded. Additionally, modern techni-ques such as ultrasonography should be employed.

The challenge is to preserve natural resources whilesimultaneously producing enough food to satisfy thedemands of a growing human population. The increase ofhuman populations in tropical and subtropical areas and thesimultaneous destruction of natural resources appoint thefat-tailed breeds a prominent animal team to provideprotein. Additionally, the deterioration of the climateconditions in other areas which will become in the futurearid appoints the fat-tailed sheep a challenging animalspecies. The results of the survey presented above maysomewhat simplify the status of fat-tailed breeds. Many ofthese breeds or genetic material derived from them shouldhave a future role to play in food animal productionsystems. This role must be enriched with new data.

Acknowledgments The author is grateful to Miss E. Rozi, studentof the Veterinary School of the University of Thessaly for thepreparation of the drawings.

References

Abdel-Moneim, A. Y., 2009. Body and carcass characteristics ofOssimi, Barki and Rahmani ram lambs raised under intensiveproduction system, Egyptian Journal of Sheep and GoatSciences, 4, 1–16

Abdel-Rahman, H. A., El-Belely, M. S., Al-Qarawi, A. A., El-Mougy,S. A., 2000. The relationship between semen quality and mineral


composition of semen in various ram breeds, Small RuminantResearch 38, 45–49

Abdullah, A. Y., Qudsieh, R. I., 2008. Carcass characteristics ofAwassi ram lambs slaughtered at different weights, LivestockScience, 117, 165–175

Akraim, F., Milad, I. S., Abdulkarim, A. A. A., Ganem, M., 2008.Wool characteristics of Libyan Barbary sheep in north-easternLibya: I. Fiber diameter and staple length, Livestock Research forRural Development, 20, Article #118. Retrieved October 26,2010, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd20/8/akra20118.htm

Ali, A., Derar, R., Hussein, H., 2006. Seasonal variations of theovarian follicular dynamics and luteal functions of sheep in thesubtropics, Theriogenology, 66, 463–469

Amir, D., Volcani, R., 1965. Seasonal changes in the sexual activity ofAwassi, German Mutton Merino, Corriedale, Border-Leicesterand Dorset Horn rams II. Seasonal changes in semen character-istics, Journal of Agricultural Science, 64, 121–125

Arik, I.Z., Dellal, G., Cengiz, F., 2003. Some physical characteristicsof Anatolian Merino, White Karaman, Ile de France X AnatolianMerino (F1) and Ile de France X White Karaman (F1) ewes,Turkish Journal of Veterinary Animal Science, 27, 651–656

Atti, N., Bocquier, F., Khaldi, G., 2004. Performance of the fat-tailedBarbarine sheep in its environment: adaptive capacity toalteration of underfeeding and re-feeding periods. A review,Animal Research, 53, 165–176

Atti, N., Ben Hamouda, M., 2004. Relationships among carcasscomposition and tail measurements in fat-tailed Barbarine sheep,Small Ruminant Research, 53, 151–155

Babaei, H., Ayen, E., 2005. Evaluation of uterine involution usingradio-opaque markers during the post-partum period in Makuiiewes, Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research, 6, 29–34 (article inPersian with English abstract)

Badreldin, A. L., Oloufa, M. M., El-Labban, F. M., 1952. Some woolcharacteristics of the Ossimi sheep, Journal of Animal Science,11, 591–598

Barkawi, A. H., El-Asheeri, A. K., Hafez, Y. M., Ibrahim, M. A., Ali,M. M., 2009. Growth and carcass characteristics of lambs inrelation to plasma IGF-1 and some histological traits of Long-issimus lumborum and Biceps femoris as affected by breed andage at slaughter, Livestock Science, 124, 9–14

Bathaei, S.S., 1995. La croissance et le développement corporel de lanaissance à la maturité dans la race ovine iranienne Mehraban àqueue grasse. Revue d'Élevage et de Médecine vétérinaire des Paystropicaux, 48, 183–194 (article in French with English abstract)

Bicer, O., Pekel, E., Güney, O., 1992. Effects of docking on growthperformance and carcass characteristics of fat-tailed Awassi ramlambs, Small Ruminant Research, 8, 353–357

Bilgin, O. C., Emsen, E., Davis, M. E. 2004. Comparison of non-linear models for describing the growth of scrotal circumferencein Awassi male lambs, Small Ruminant Research, 52, 155–160

Bingöl, M., Aygün, T., Gökdal, Ö., Yilmaz, A., 2006. The effects ofdocking on fattening performance and carcass characteristics infat-tailed Norduz male lambs, Small Ruminant Research, 64,101–106

Bradford, G. E., Quirke, J. F., Sitorus, P., Inounu, I., Tiesnamurti, B.,Bell, F. L., Fletcher, I. C., Torell, D. T., 1986. Reproduction inJavanese sheep: Evidence for a gene with large effect onovulation rate and litter size, Journal of Animal Science, 63,418–431

Dana, N., Tegene, A., Shenkoru, T., 2000. Feed intake, sperm output andseminal characteristics of Ethiopian highland sheep supplementedwith different levels of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf hay,Animal Feed Science and Technology, 86, 239–249

Dorostghoal, M., Erfani Majd, N., Goorani Nejad, S., 2009.Stereological study of Arabian ram testis during differentseasons, Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research, 10: 360–366

Dreyer, J. H., Rossouw, E., Steyn, M. G., 1983. The histology of thepre-natal follicle and hair fibre in four curl types of the Karakulsheep, South African Journal of Animal Science, 13, 180–191

Emsen, E., Emsen, H., Yaprak, M., Ockerman, H. W., 2002. Influenceof breed and diet on carcass and organoleptic properties of maleRed Karaman and Tushin fat- tailed lambs, Journal of MuscleFoods, 13, 301–311

Emsen, E., 2005. Testicular development and body weight gain frombirth to 1 year of age of Awassi and Redkaraman sheep and theirreciprocal crosses, Small Ruminant Research, 59, 79–82

Epstein, H., 1961. The development and body composition of dockedand undocked fat-tailed Awassi lambs, Empire Journal ofExperimental Agriculture 29, 110–118

Erişir, Z., Ozbey, O., 2005. The wool production characteristics inMorkaraman and Chios X Akkaraman (F1) and Kivircik XMorkaraman (F1) crossbred sheep, Journal of Animal andVeterinary Advances, 4, 360–362

Ermias, E., Yami, A., Rege, J.E.O., 2006. Slaughter characteristics ofMenz and Horro sheep, Small Ruminant Research, 64, 10–15

Esenbuga, N., Yanar, M., Dayioglou, H., 2001. Physical, chemical andorganoleptic properties of ram lamp carcasses from four fat-tailedgenotypes, Small Ruminant Research, 39, 99–105

Evans, A. C. O., 2003. Ovarian follicle growth and consequences forfertility in sheep, Animal Reproduction Science, 78, 289–306

Farahani, K, A. H., Shahrbabak, H. M., Shahrbabak, M. M., Yeganeh,M. H., 2010. Relationship of fat-tail and body measurementswith some economic important traits in fat-tail Makoei breed ofIranian sheep. African Journal of Biotechnology, 9, 5989–5992

Farid, A., 1991. Slaughter and carcass characteristics of three fat-tailedsheep breeds and their crosses with Corriedale and Taghee rams,Small Ruminant Research, 5, 255–271

Fozooni, R., Zamiri, M. J., 2007. Relationships between chemicalcomposition of meat from carcass cuts and the whole carcass inIranian fat-tailed sheep as affected by breed and feeding level,Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research, 8, 304–312

Galal, S., Gürsoy, O., Shaat, I., 2008. Awassi sheep as a geneticresource and efforts for their genetic improvement—a review,Small Ruminant Research, 79, 99–108

Ghoneim, K. E., Kazzal, N. T., Abdallah, R., K., 1974. Some woolcharacteristics of Karadi sheep in northern Iraq, Journal ofAgricultural Science, 83, 171–174

Gizaw, S., Lemma, S., Komen, H., Van Arendonk, J. A. M., 2007.Estimates of genetic parameters and genetic trends for liveweight and fleece traits in Menz sheep, Small RuminantResearch, 70, 145–153

Gizaw, S., Komen, H., Van Arendonk, J. A. M., 2008a. Selection onlinear size traits to improve live weight in Menz sheep undernucleus and village breeding programs, Livestock Science, 118,92–98

Gizaw, S., Komen, H., Hanotte, O., Van Arendonk, J. A. M., 2008b.Indigenous sheep resources of Ethiopia: types, productionsystems and farmers preferences, Animal Genetic ResourcesInformation, 43, 25–39

Gojjam, Y., Gizaw, S., Abegaz, S., Thwaites, C. J., 1995. Relation-ships between body weight and scrotal characteristics, andbetween environmental effects and fertility in Ethiopian Horrorams, Journal of Agricultural Science, 124, 297–299

Gökdal, Ö., Aygün, T., Bingöl, M., Karakuş, F., 2003. The effects ofdocking on performance and carcass characteristics of maleKarakaş lambs, South African Journal of Animal Science, 33,185–192

Gökdal, Ö., Ülker, H., Karakus, F., Cengiz, F., Temur, C., Handil, H.,2004. Growth, feedlot performance and carcass characteristics ofKarakas and crossbred lambs (F1) (Ile de France x Akkaraman(G1) x Karakas) under rural farm conditions in Turkey, SouthAfrican Journal of Animal Science, 34, 223–232


http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd20/8/akra20118.htm

Greeff, J.C., Faure, A.S., Minaar, G.J., Schoeman, S. J., 1991. Geneticand phenotypic parameters of pelt traits in a Karakul controlflock, South African Journal of Animal Science, 21, 156–161

Guirgis, R.A., 1973. The study of variability in some wool traits in acoarse wool breed sheep, Journal of Agricultural Science, 80,233–238

Guirgis, R. A., Kazzal, N. T., Haddadine, M.S., Abdallah, R. K., 1978.A study of some wool traits in two coarse wool breeds and theirreciprocal crosses, Journal of Agricultural Science, 90, 495–501

Gϋndoğan, M., Serteser, M., 2005. Some reproductive parameters andbiochemical properties in Akkaraman and Awassi rams, TurkishJournal of Veterinary animal Science, 29, 595–599

Gϋndoğan, M., 2007. Seasonal variation in serum testosterone, T3 andandrological parameters of two Turkish sheep breeds, SmallRuminant Research, 67, 312–316

Güney, O., 1990. Commercial crossbreeding between Ile-de-France,Rambouillet, Chios and local fat-tail Awassi for market lambproduction, Small Ruminant Research, 3, 449–456

Hafez, E. S. E., Badreldin, A .L., Darwish, Y. H., 1955. Seasonalvariations in semen characteristics of sheep in the subtropics,Journal of Agricultural Science, 45, 283–292

Hagos, T., Melaku, S., 2009. Feed intake, digestibility, body weightand carcass parameters of Afar rams fed tef (Eragrostis tef) strawsupplemented with graded levels of concentrate mix, TropicalAnimal Health and Production, 41, 599–606

Hankins, O. G., Hiner, R. L., Simmons, V. L., 1951. A study of meatcharacteristics of Karakul sheep, Journal of Animal Science, 10,399–410

Hardy, J. I., Simmons, V. L., 1943. Ear measurements in relation topelt thickness and fur characters of Karakul lambs, Journal ofAnimal Science, 2, 146–151

Hayder, M., Ali, A., 2008. Factors affecting the postpartum uterineinvolution and luteal function of sheep in the subtropics, SmallRuminant Research, 79, 174–178

Hibret, A., Toé, F., Mukasa-Mugerwa, E., Kassa, T., Markos, T., 2001.Genital disorders, linear and testicular characteristics in Menzrams, Tropical Animal Health and Production, 33, 219–227

Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal GeneticResources for Food and Agriculture (ITWG/AGenR), 2010. http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/programmes/en/genetics/angrvent-docs.html

Iñiguez, L., Hilali, M., Thomas, D. L., Jesry, G., 2009. Uddermeasurements and milk production in two Awassi sheepgenotypes and their crosses, Journal of Dairy Science, 92,4613–4620

Izadifard, J., Zamiri, M. J., 1997. Lactation performance of twoIranian fat-tailed sheep breeds, Small Ruminant Research, 24,69–76

Izadifard, J., Zamiri, M.J., 2007. Effects of supplementary feeding ongrowth and carcass characteristics of fat-tailed lambs grazingcereal stubble, Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research, 8, 123–130

Jawasreh, K. I. Z., Khasawneh, A. Z., 2007. Studies of someeconomic characteristics on Awassi lambs in Jordan, EgyptianJournal of Sheep and Goat Sciences, 2, 101–110

Joubert, D. M., Nel, J.Y., Steynberg, H., 1962. Influence of taildevelopment on growth and carcass quality of Karakul ewes,Tydskrif Natuurwet, 2, 99–104

Joubert, D. M., Ueckerman, L., 1971. A note on the effect of docking onfat deposition in fat-tailed sheep, Animal Production, 13, 191–192

Juma, K. H., Dessouky, F., 1969. Semen characteristics of Awassirams, Journal of Agricultural Science, 73, 311–314

Juma, K. H., Alkass, J. E., 2006. Genetic and phenotypic parametersof some economic characteristics in Awassi sheep of Iraq: Areview, Egyptian Journal of Sheep, Goat and Desert AnimalsSciences, 1, 15–29

Kafi, M., Safdarian, M., Hashemi, M., 2004. Seasonal variation insemen characteristics, scrotal circumference and libido of PersianKarakul rams, Small Ruminant Research, 53, 133–139

Kahtuei R. M, Shahneh A. Z, Sharebabak M. M., 2008. Lactationperformance and suckling lamb growth of Kermani fat-tailedewe, Journal of Animal and Veterinary advances, 7, 1575–1578

Karakus, K., Seckin Tuncer, S., Arslan, S., 2005. Comparison of thefleece characteristics of Karakas and Norduz sheep (Local ewesof Turkey), Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 4, 563–565

Kashan, N. E. J., Manafi Azar, G. H., Afzalzadeh, A., Salehi, A.,2005. Growth performance and carcass quality of fattening lambsfrom fat-tailed and tailed sheep breeds, Small RuminantResearch, 60, 267–271

Kaymakçi, M., Oğuz, İ., Űn, C., Bilgen, G., Taşkin, T., 2001. Basiccharacteristics of some Turkish indigenous sheep breeds, Paki-stan Journal of Biological Sciences, 4, 916–919

Keskin, I., Dag, B., 2009. Investigation of relationship amongst milkand wool yield traits of Awassi sheep by using canonicalcorrelation analysis, Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances,8, 464–468

Khaldari, M., Kashan, N. E. J., Afzalzadeh, A., Salehi, A., 2007.Growth and carcass characteristics of crossbred progeny fromlean-tailed and fat-tailed sheep breeds, South African Journal ofAnimal Science, 37, 51–56

Kheradmand, A., Babaei, H., 2006. Effect of ewe breed on thereaction time and semen characteristics in the ram, IranianJournal of Veterinary Research, 7, 23–26 (in Persian with Englishabstract)

Kiracofe, G.H., 1980. Uterine involution: Its role in regulatingpostpartum intervals, Journal of Animal Science, 51, 16–28

Kirmizibayrak, T., Saatci, M., Aksoy, A. R., 2003. Slaughter andcarcass characteristics of Tushin and Red Karaman lambs raisedin semi intensive conditions, Kafkas University VeterinaryMedical Journal, 9, 75–78

Kridli, R. T., Abdullah, A. Y., Shaker, M.M., 2006. Sexualperformance and reproductive characteristics of young adultAwassi, Charollais-Awassi and Romanov-Awassi rams, Sheepand Goat Research Journal, 21, 12–16

Kridli, R. T., Al-Yacoub, A. N., 2006. Sexual performance of Awassiram lambs reared in different sex composition groups, AppliedAnimal Behaviour Science, 96, 261–267

Kridli, R. T., Shaker, M. M., Abdullah, A. Y., Muwall, M.M., 2007.Sexual behavior of yearling Awassi, Charollais X Awassi andRomanov X Awassi rams exposed to oestrous Awassi ewes,Tropical Animal Health and Production, 39, 229–235

Kunene, N., Nesamvuni, E. A., Fossey, A., 2007. Characterization ofZulu (Nguni) sheep using linear body measurements and someenvironmental factors affecting these measurements, SouthAfrican Journal of Animal Science, 37, 11–20

Labussière, J., 1988. Review of physiological and anatomical factorsinfluencing the milking ability of ewes and the organization ofmilking, Livestock Production Science, 18, 253–274

Lambe, N. R., Navajas, E. A., Bünger, L., Fisher, A. V., Roehe, R.,Simm, G., 2009. Prediction of lamb carcass composition andmeat quality using combinations of post-mortem measurements,Meat Science, 81, 711–719

Lubow, A. M., 1954. Sequence and growth of primary and secondaryfiber follicles in Karakul sheep, Journal of Animal Science, 13,765–780

Macit, M., 2002. Growth and carcass characteristics of male lambs ofthe Morkaraman breed, Small Ruminant Research, 43, 191–194

Macit, M., Esenbuga, N., Karaoglu, M., 2002. Growth performanceand carcass characteristics of Awassi, Morkaraman and Tushinlambs grazed on pasture and supported with concentrate, SmallRuminant Research, 44, 241–246


http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/programmes/en/genetics/angrvent-docs.html



Marai, I. F. M., Nowar, M.S., Bahgat, L. B., 1987. Effect of dockingand shearing on growth and carcass traits of fat-tailed Ossimisheep, Journal of Agricultural Science, 109, 513–518

Marai, I. F. M., El-Gaafary, M. N., Ahmed, B. A. K., 1992. A note oneffects of docking on skin structure and characteristics of thefleece in Rahmani fat-tailed sheep, Animal Production, 55, 292–294

Marai, I. F. M., Bahgat, I. B., 2003. Fat-tailed sheep traits as affectedby docking, Tropical Animal Health and Production, 35, 351–363

Marai, I. F. M., El- Darawany, A. A., Fadiel, A., Abdel-Hafez, M. A.M., 2008. Reproductive performance traits as affected by heatstress and its alleviation in sheep, Tropical and SubtropicalAgroecosystems, 8, 209–234

Mert, H., Karakus, K., Yilmaz, A., Aygun, T., Mert, N., Apaydin, B.,Seydan, E., 2009. Effects of genotype on testis, semen quality,and mineral composition of semen in various ram breeds,Biological Trace Elements Research, 132, 93–102

Moharrery, A., 2007. Effect of docking and energy of diet on carcassfat characteristics in fat-tailed Badghisian sheep, Small RuminantResearch, 69: 208–216

Momani Shaker, M., Abdullah, A. Y., Kridli, R. T., Bláha, J., Šáda, I.,Sovják, R., 2002. Fattening performance and carcass value ofAwassi ram lambs, F1 crossbreds of Romanov x Awassi andCharolais x Awassi in Jordan, Czech Journal of Animal Science,47, 429–438

Mukasa-Mugerwa, E., Ezaz, Z., 1992. Relationship of testiculargrowth and size to age, body weight and onset of puberty inMenz ram lambs, Theriogenology, 38, 979–988

Mukasa-Mugerwa, E., Lahlou-Kassi, A., 1995. Reproductive perfor-mance and productivity of Menz sheep in the Ethiopianhighlands, Small Ruminant Research, 17, 167–177

Nsoso, S. J., Podisi, B., Otsogile, E., Mokhutshwane, B.S., Ahmadu,B., 2004. Phenotypic characterization of indigenous Tswanagoats and sheep breeds in Botswana: Continuous traits, TropicalAnimal Health and Production, 36, 789–800

Obeidat, B.S., Aloqaily, B. H., 2010. Using sesame hulls in Awassilambs diets: Its effect on growth performance and carcasscharacteristics and meat quality, Small Ruminant research, 91,225–230

Ocak, S., Emsen, E., Köyecegiz, F., Kutluca, M., Önder, H., 2009.Comparison of placental traits and their relation to litter size andparity weight in sheep, Journal of Animal Science, 87, 3196–3201

Orman, A., Çalişkan, G. Ü., Dikmen, S., Üstüner, H., Moustafa Ogan,M., Çalişkan, Ç., 2008. The assessment of carcass composition ofAwassi male lambs by real-time ultrasound at two different liveweights, Meat Science, 80, 1031–1036

Orman, A., Caliskan, G. U., Dikmen, S., 2010. The assessment of carcasstraits of Awassi lambs by real-time ultrasound at different bodyweights and sexes, Journal of Animal Science, 88, 3428–3438

Owen, J. E., Norman, G. A., Fisher, I. L., Frost, R.A., 1977. Studieson the meat production characteristics of Botswana goats andsheep—Part I: Sampling, methods and materials, and measure-ments on the live animals, Meat Science, 1, 63–85

Rege, J. E. O., Toe, F., Mukasa-Mugerwa, E., Tembely, S., Amindo,D., Baker, R. L., Lahlou-Kassi, A., 2000. Reproductive charac-teristics of Ethiopian highland sheep II. Genetic parameters ofsemen characteristics and their relationships with testicularmeasurements in ram lambs, Small Ruminant Research, 37,173–187

Romdhani, S. B., Djemali, M., 2006. Estimation of sheep carcass traitsby ultrasound technology, Livestock Science, 101, 294–299

Rovai, M., Caja, G., Such, X., 2008. Evaluation of udder cisterns andeffects on milk yield of dairy ewes, Journal of Dairy Science, 91,4622–4629

Safari, E., Fogarty, N.M., Gilmour, A. R., 2005. A review of geneticparameter estimates for wool, growth, meat and reproductiontraits in sheep, Livestock Production Science, 92, 271–289

Safdarian, M. M., Zamiri, M. I., Hashemi, M., Noorolahi, H., 2008.Relationships of fat-tail dimensions with fat-tail weight andcarcass characteristics at different slaughter weights of Torki-Ghashghaii sheep, Meat Science, 80, 686–689

Sahin, E. H., Yardimci, M., Cetingul, I. S., Bayram, I., Sengor, E.,2008. The use of ultrasound to predict the carcass composition oflive Akkaraman lambs, Meat Science, 79, 716–721

Salhab, S. A., Zarkawi, M., Wardeh, M. F., Al-Masri, M. R., Kassem,R., 2001. Development of testicular dimensions and size, andtheir relationship to age, body weight and parental size ingrowing Awassi ram lambs, Small Ruminant Research, 40, 187–191

Salhab, S. A., Zarkawi, M., Wardeh, M. F., Al-Masri, M. R., Kassem,R., 2003. Characterization and evaluation of semen in growingAwassi ram lambs, Tropical Animal Health and Production, 35,455–463

Sarvar, N. E., Moeini, M. M., Poyanmehr, M., Mikaeli, E., 2009. Theeffects of docking on growth traits, carcass characteristics andblood biochemical parameters of Sanjabi fat-tailed lambs, Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Science, 22, 796–802

Schoeman, S. J., 1998. Genetic and environmental factors influencingthe quality of pelt traits in Karakul sheep, South African Journalof Animal Science, 28, 125–139

Sefidbakht, N., Mostafavi, M.S., Farid, A., 1977. Effect of season oflambing on postpartum ovulation, conception and folliculardevelopment of four fat-tailed Iranian breeds of sheep, Journalof Animal Science, 45, 305–309

Sefidbahkt, N., Mostafavi, M.S., Farid, A. 1978. Annual reproductiverhythm and ovulation rate in four fat-tailed sheep breeds, AnimalProduction, 26, 177–184

Shabankareh, H. K., Habibizad, J., Sarsaifi, K., Cheghamirza, K.,Jasemi, V. K., 2010. The effect of the absence or presence of acorpus luteum on the ovarian follicular population and serumoestradiol concentrations during the estrous cycle in Sanjabiewes, Small Ruminant Research, 93, 180–185

Sharafeldin, M. A., 1965. Wool characteristics of Iraqi Awassi sheep,Journal of Agricultural Science, 65, 223–225

Shelton, M., Willingham, T., Thompson, P., Roberts, E. M., 1991.Influence of docking and castration on growth and carcass traitsof fat-tail Karakul, Rambouillet and crossbred lambs, SmallRuminant Research, 4, 235–243

Tabbaa, M. J., Al-Azzawi, W. A., Campbell, D., 2001. Variation infleece characteristics of Awassi sheep at different ages, SmallRuminant Research, 41, 95–100

Tabbaa, M. J., Kridli, R. T., Amashe M. G., Barakeh F. S., 2006.Factors affecting scrotal circumference and semen characteristicsof Awassi rams, Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2,243–250

Taha, T. A., Abdel-Gawad, E.I., Ayoub, M.A., 2000. Monthlyvariations in some reproductive parameters of Barki and Awassirams throughout 1 year under subtropical conditions 1. Semencharacteristics and hormonal levels Animal Science 71, 317–324

Teke, B., Űnal, N., 2009. The effects of slaughter weight and sex onsome slaughter traits of Akkaraman and Morkaraman andTurkish Merino lambs, Ankara Űniv. Vet. Fak. Derg., 56, 289–296

Tilki, M., Saatci, M., Aksoy, A. R., Kirmizibayrak, T., 2010. Effect oftail docking on growth performance and carcass traits in TurkishTuj lambs, Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 9, 2094–2097

Toe, F., Rege, J. E. O., Mukasa-Mugerwa, E., Tembely, S., Anindo,D., Baker, R. L., Lahlou-Kassi, A., 2000. Reproductive charac-teristics of Ethiopian highland sheep I. Genetic parameters of


testicular measurements in ram lambs and relationship with ageat puberty in ewe lambs, Small Ruminant Research, 36, 227–240

Topal, M., Yildiz, N., Esenbuğa, N., Aksakal, V., Macit, M., Özdemir,M., 2003. Determination of best fitted regression model forestimation of body weight in Awassi sheep, Journal of AppliedAnimal Research, 23, 201–208.

Topal, M., Macit, M., 2004. Prediction of body weight from bodymeasurements in Morkaraman sheep, Journal of Applied AnimalResearch, 25, 97–100

Tufan, M., Akmaz, A., 2001. Slaughter and carcass traits of GüneyKaraman, Kangal-Akkaraman and Akkaraman lambs at differentslaughter weights, Turkish Journal of Veterinary Animal Science,25, 495–504

Ünal, N., Akçapinar, H., Aytaç, M., Atasoy, F., 2006. Fatteningperformance and carcass traits in crossbred ram lambs, Medy-cyna Weterynaryjna, 62, 401–404

Vatankah, M., Talebi, M. A., 2008. Genetic parameters of body weightand fat-tail measurements in lambs, Small Ruminant Research,75, 1–6

Webb, R., Gauld, I. K., Driancourt, M.A., 1989. Morphological andfunctional characterization of large antral follicles in three breedsof sheep with different ovulation rates, Journal of Reproductionand Fertility, 87, 243–255

Wilson, M. E., 2002. Role of placental function in mediatingconceptus growth and survival, Journal of Animal Science 80Supplement 2, E195–E201

Yaprak, M., Koycegiz, F., Kutluca, M., Emsen, E., Ockerman, H.W., 2008. Canonical correlation analysis of body measure-ments, growth performance and carcass traits of Red Karamanlambs, Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7, 130–136

Zamiri, M. J., Izadifard, J., 1997. Relationship of fat-tail weightwith fat-tail measurements and carcass characteristics ofMehraban and Ghezel rams, Small Ruminant Research, 26,261–266

Zamiri, M. J., Khodaei, H.R., 2005. Seasonal thyroidal activity andreproductive characteristics of Iranian fat-tailed rams, AnimalReproduction Science, 88, 245–255


A review of morphological characteristics relating to the production and reproduction of fat-tailed...

Documents

Transcript of A review of morphological characteristics relating to the production and reproduction of fat-tailed...