DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT The excessive increase in demand for small ruminant meat is a result of both population growth and depletion of natural resources. One of the most significant economic characteristics that enhances an animal’s capacity to withstand excessive body weight, strenuous activity, wounds, and injuries is the cannon bone circumference. It also influences the characteristics of body size, which ultimately affects body weight and carcass production. This study examined the relationship between the cannon bone circumference and several dimensions of the body, such as live body weight, body height, and body length Balochistani sheep breeds. Eight months old Harnai sheep, 40 male and 40 female, were chosen at random from the Langove Sheep Farm District in Naseerabad, Balochistan, for this purpose. The result showed that the average cannon bone circumference in Harnai male was 8.12cm and 7.30cm in female, statistically significant between male and female of Harnai breed. The body weight was higher (P<0.05) in male (28.50kg) compared to female (23.10kg). The average body height was 69.34cm and 61.46cm in male and female, which was significantly higher in male compared to female. The body length was 73.91cm and 64.51cm in male and female respectively. The Harnai male had larger (P<0.05) body length compared the female. The cannon bone circumference has strong positive influence on body weight, body height and body length of Harnai sheep (P<0.05). The genetic correlation in Harnai male for cannon bone circumference vs body weight, cannon bone circumference vs body height, cannon bone circumference vs body length was 0.725, 0.615, 0.657 and for body weight vs body height, body weight vs body length, it was 0.713, 0.541 whereas 0.497 for body height vs body length; In contrast, the Harnai female showed values of 0.685, 0.585, 0.515 for the cannon bone circumference in relation to body weight, 0.625, 0.546, and 0.435 for the cannon bone circumference in relation to body height, and 0.685, 0.585, 0.515 for the cannon bone circumference in relation to body length. In conclusion, the body weight, body height, and body length of the Balochistani Harnai sheep breed are considerably influenced by the males’ significantly larger cannon bone circumference.