Long-term reproductive, growth, and carcass performance of Morkaraman, Awassi, and Tuj sheep in semi-arid extensive systems

Abstract. Native sheep breeds are important genetic resources for extensive livestock systems because of their adaptation to extreme conditions and low-input production. However, long-term data on their production performance remains limited. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the reproductive traits, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of the Morkaraman, Awassi, and Tuj native sheep breeds over a 10-year period under an extensive production system. The research was conducted at the Sheep Husbandry Unit, Food and Livestock Application and Research Center, Atatürk University, Erzurum (39° N, 41° E), Türkiye. The effects of breed, dam age, gender, and type of birth were analyzed using 5000 individual records. Sheep were managed under extensive conditions with flushing diets provided pre-mating, followed by natural mating and pasture-based grazing. Lamb growth performance data were recorded alongside slaughter and carcass traits. Morkaraman and Tuj breeds showed higher litter sizes at birth (1.06 and 1.08, respectively) than Awassi (1.02) (P < 0.01). Morkaraman and Awassi lambs exhibited superior growth and carcass performance, with birth weights of 4.48 and 4.41 kg, weaning weights of 16.54 and 16.28 kg, slaughter weights of 36.7 and 36.1 kg, hot carcass weights of 16.7 and 16.6 kg, and cold dressing percentages of 47.2 % and 46.6 %, respectively, compared with Tuj lambs (4.05, 15.69, 33.2, 15.2 kg, and 42.7 %). Morkaraman lambs had the highest live weights in all measurement periods (P < 0.01). In parallel with growth performance, higher carcass trait values were observed in Morkaraman lambs along with Awassi (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the Morkaraman breed is suitable for weight- and carcass-oriented production for this study. Conversely, the Tuj breed showed comparatively lower carcass fat deposition and fat-related parameters, indicating leaner meat characteristics. This study provides a valuable long-term dataset on the reproductive, growth, and carcass traits that can be useful for improving breed-specific management and breeding programs.