Genetic parameters of feed intake and digestive efficiency in tropical sheep

Abstract

Between and within-breed variations in feed intake and digestive efficiency, in terms of the percentage of feed dry matter (DM) retained in the body out of that consumed (ADMD), in 452 Menz and Horro sheep were estimated. Average daily concentrate DM was about 278 g/day in both breeds, whereas daily hay DM intake (HayDMI) was 520.3 plus or minus 4.4 in the Menz and 559.8 plus or minus 6.0 in the Horro (P<0.01) sheep. Thus, the average daily total DM intake (TotDMI), sum of average daily concentrate and hay DM intakes, was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the Horro sheep. ADMD was significantly (P<0.01) lower in the Horro than in the Menz (51.5 plus or minus 0.4 vs. 54.5 plus or minus 0.3) sheep. Heritabilities for HayDMI, TotDMI, and ADMD were estimated at 0.26 plus or minus 0.14, 0.30 plus or minus 0.14, and 0.47 plus or minus 016, respectively. It is concluded that ADMD can be improved through selective breeding in Menz and Horro sheep.