UN SDG
Livestock Studies 1975, Vol 15, Num, 3-4     (Pages: 056-072)
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The adaptation of Karacabey and Konya Merino ewes to middle Anatolian conditions

Mehmet ÖRKİZ

- 50 heads of pregnant Merino ewes from each state farm. Karacabey (KB) and Konya (KO), have been brought to Lalahan Zootech. Research Ins. İn 1969 to determine the adaptation of the ewes to Middle Anatolian conditions. The ewes were at the same age. And reared at the same conditions. The average production results for these ewes and their offsprings in 1970-1974 are as follows.

The average fertility for KB And KO Merino ewes respectively; Pregnancy rates: 91.2 and 94.7 %, birth rates: 87.8 and 88.9 %, twinning rates: 44.8 and 38.7 %, litter size at birth: 1.45 and 1.39, surviving rates up to weaning 93.2 and 95.7.

Birth weights, 45, 75, 105 (weaning day) and 180 days body weights and total body weights gain and daily body weights gain up to weaning are shown in table 2 (a) and (b). These is no statistical significant difference between Karacabey Merino and Konya Merino.

Yearly average greasy wool production; 3.35 kg for KB Merino ewes, 3.39 kg for KB femal yearlings, 3.66 kg for KB male yearlings: 3.48 kg for KO Merino ewes, 3.43 kg for KO female yearlings and 3.93 kg for KO male yearlings.

Some of the important characteristics of wool like staple length, fibre diameter, elasticity, resistance and randuman are shown in table 4 for different years.

According to these results it is possible to conclude that Karacabey Merino and Konya Merino can easily be adapted to Middle Anatolian conditions and with good feeding and rearing it is possible to obtain satisfactory production performances and surviving rates for two breeds. Keywords :