COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SHEEP GROWTH TRAITS IN KARAKUL, AL-NAIMI, AND HAMDANI BREEDS

The present study carried out a comparative analysis of various growth traits among three sheep breeds; Karakul, Al-Naimi, and Hamdani to evaluate variations in growth traits. The evaluated growth traits included body weight, circumferences (chest and abdomen), and linear dimensions (body length, wither height, and rump height) from birth to 12 months. After data collection, the impact of the studied factors on sheep growth was examined, and a correlation matrix analysis was performed to elucidate relationships between different growth metrics within and through sheep breeds. Results revealed significant breed-based variations in growth traits, with Karakul sheep consistently exhibiting superior performance in terms of body weight and linear dimensions. Minimal effects of birth season on growth traits were found across different age groups, suggesting that factors beyond seasonal variations played more substantial roles in sheep development. Highly positive correlations were observed between weight measurements at various ages, while age at puberty showed a negative correlation with weight at puberty, indicating breed-specific growth patterns. Furthermore, significant differences in growth traits between male and female lambs were identified, with males consistently exhibiting greater body weight, linear dimensions, and circumferences at all ages. In addition to the confirmed superiority of the Karakul breed over Hamdani and Al-Naimi, this analysis provides insight into the complex dynamics of sheep growth, informing breed selection, management strategies, and breeding practices in sheep farming.