Effect of inbreeding on reproduction, weight and survival of Tazegzawt sheep lambs

This study evaluated the effects of inbreeding on the reproduction, weight, and survival of Tazegzawt Kabylian lambs. The study focused on the growth performance of 67 lambs born during 2013 to 2015 at the level of the herd of INRAA experimental station of Bejaia. Because of the difficulty in finding breeding males, the rams used for mating came from individuals of the same herd. Analysis of the results indicated a decrease in reproductive parameters of 6 points for fertility, 16 points for prolificacy and 4 points for fecundity respectively between the first and third lambing. The mortality rate increased with inbreeding for the first, second and third lambing. This mortality was characterized by mortality pre-partum and post-partum, before the age of 10 days and before weaning. The appearance of anterior limb abnormalities and cases of blindness and inguinal hernia were observed. The change of males and the use of cryopreservation as a means of reducing inbreeding and for the preservation and conservation of this lesser known genetic potential thus becomes imperative.