ABSTRACT
Productivity of Hidango ewes crossed with Dorset and Border Leicester rams

Christian Crempien L.1
 

Fifly Hidango ewes (1/4 Finn x 3/4 Merino Precoz) were split in two treatment and mated with two differents Dorset and two Border Leicester rams during the breeding seasons of 1990 and 1991. Before and afler mating both treatment of ewes grazed together. Average lambing date and birth weights, lamb mortality, 100 day weaning weight and age at marketing were studied. Reproductiva variables through squared chi were analizad, to evaluate Dorset and Border breeds in terminal sires. Lambing dates, birth weights, lambing percentage and mortality were similar (P > 0,05), also, waning weight was similar in 1990, but differents in 1991. In this year, de Dorset crosses were hevier (P < 0.05). In 1990 when lambs were marketed later after weaning, Dorset erosses had higher post weaning daily gains (P < 0.05).

Keywords: ewe, rams, breeds, crossing, grazing, natural pasturas, Trifolíum subterraneum, phalaris, productivity.
1 Estación Experimental La Platina (INIA), Casilla 439. Correo 3, Santiago.