Growth and reproductive performance of Magra breed of sheep

The growth and reproductive performance of Magra sheep were studied. The body weights birth at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were 2.75+/-0.03, 13.43+/-0.17, 17.86+/-0.24, 20.38+/-0.25 and 24.84+/-0.37 kg respectively. The effect of year was highly significant. The spring born animals were heavier than those born in the autumn. The weight gain/day from birth to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months and 9 to 12 months was observed to be 118.67, 49.22, 28 and 49.56 g respectively. The tupping, lambing on available basis and lambing on bred basis were 52.2, 41.3, 79.0 and 77.1,65.8, 85.4%, respectively, for the year 1998 and 1999. Despite high temperature, very less relative humidity and very low rainfall resulting in reduction of vegetation in the pasture land and causing physiological stress, this breed performed well and hence can be used for the genetic improvement in the farmers' flock for the non-migratory or short distance migratory flocks of sheep for better quality and production of wool and meat.