The Effects of LacauneXHungarian Merino Crossbreeding on Fertility, Prolificacy, and Lamb Survival Under Semi-Intensive Conditions

Sheep have been a fundamental part of human civilization since their domestication approximately 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. Selective breeding has significantly enhanced their productivity, leading to improved milk yield, wool quality, and meat production. Among sheep breeds, Lacaune and Merino are widely recognized for their superior milk and wool traits, respectively. This study evaluates the reproductive performance of Lacaune × Hungarian Merino crossbred ewes under semi-intensive conditions in Aksaray, Türkiye. A total of 72 Hungarian Merino ewes were mated with four Lacaune rams, and their reproductive performance was analyzed. In this study, the conception rate, birth rate, single birth rate, twin birth rate, triplet birth rate, fecundity, and litter size were recorded as 91.47%, 98.48%, 57.57%, 39.39%, 3.04%, 1.33, and 1.45, respectively. Additionally, the weaned lamb rate and lamb survival were calculated as 1.25 and 93%, respectively. The findings of this study align with previous research on Lacaune, Merino, and their crossbreeds, demonstrating that crossbreeding can enhance reproductive traits even in challenging environmental conditions. The results suggest that LacauneXHungarian Merino crossbreeding could be an effective approach to sustain high litter size and lamb survival rates in Türkiye. In conclusion, crossbreeding studies need to be expanded to include Türkiye's native sheep breeds with a conscious breeding approach under controlled management conditions to improve and sustain animal production