Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 September 2010
Shugor, Dubasi and Watish subtypes of Sudan Desert sheep were evaluated on the basis of three productivity indices: (I) weight of lamb weaned per ewe per year; (II) weight weaned per kg ewe per year; and (III) weight weaned per kg0·75 ewe per year. Components used to construct the indices were litter weight at 150 days, parturition interval, survival to 150 days and ewe post-partum weight. There were differences among subtypes in all components but, because of interactions among them, there were no differences in the indices. The indices were 18·5 kg, 461 g and 1·25 kg for I, II and III respectively. Other studies on Sudan Desert and other types of African sheep with similar mature weights have generally shown better results. Suggestions for improving productivity are made.