|
Study of the pattern of livestock elimination and survival rate in the Baluchi sheep breed
|
Masoud Didarkhah *   , Mehdi Zia |
|
|
|
Abstract: (438 Views) |
Introduction: The Baluchi sheep, one of the most important native fat-tailed breeds in eastern Iran, has always been valued for its high resistance, relatively low nutritional requirements, and stable reproductive capacity. However, the early culling of animals remains a major challenge, reducing herd productivity, increasing replacement costs, and limiting breeding opportunities. In many commercial flocks, a large proportion of culling is due to reproductive inefficiencies, metabolic disorders, and gastrointestinal problems. Despite this, comprehensive, long-term evaluations in Iranian native breeds are still scarce.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on a commercial Baluchi sheep flock located in Torbat-e-Jam County, Razavi Khorasan Province. Records of performance, health, and culling of animals between 1996 and 2022 (1375 to 1401 Persian calendar) were included in the analysis. The animals were managed under a consistent management cycle, including grazing on natural rangelands in spring, grazing on crop stubble in summer–autumn, and intensive feeding in winter with a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of corn silage, alfalfa, and concentrate. Feeding protocols were differentiated for lactating ewes, pregnant ewes, rams, and growing lambs based on physiological needs. Frequencies, temporal trends, and the relative contribution of culling causes were assessed descriptively. The long study duration and management consistency allowed precise monitoring of changes in flock health and culling patterns over time.
Results: Over 26 years, 480 animals were culled, with reproductive disorders being the primary cause of culling, accounting for 52.29% (251 animals) of all cases. Among reproductive disorders, infertility had the highest share (78.53%), followed by abortion (26.70%), dystocia (15.54%), and stillbirth (3.98%).
Conclusion: The predominance of reproductive disorders is consistent with international reports, indicating that reproduction is the most important economic factor determining ewe longevity in both intensive and extensive systems. Infertility, as the main factor, is often multifactorial and can result from poor body condition, mineral imbalances, and other causes. Abortion, the second reproductive factor, aligns with global findings on the role of pathogens, nutritional deficiencies, heat stress, or poisonings. The increasing importance of gastrointestinal disorders in recent years likely reflects changes in rangeland composition, reduced forage quality due to climate change, shifts in parasitic infection patterns, or changes in feeding practices. Although metabolic disorders are less prevalent, they represent critical intervention points due to their rapid progression and high treatment costs. This long-term assessment provides a comprehensive and precise picture of culling factors in Baluchi sheep under semi-intensive production. The findings highlight several key priorities for flock optimization: improving reproductive management, strengthening nutritional programs, improving gastrointestinal health management, and optimizing the environment and infrastructure to reduce injuries. By implementing these measures, early culling rates can be significantly reduced, longevity increased, and more favorable economic and genetic outcomes achieved in Baluchi sheep breeding systems. |
|
| Keywords: Balochi sheep, Digestive system disorders, Longevity, Metabolic disorders, Reproductive disorders |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 768 kb]
(106 Downloads)
|
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| References |
1. Asadi, M., Toghdory, A., Ghoorchi, T. and Teymouri, A., 2025. Effects of Complete Replacement of Protein Feed with Soybean Meal on the Performance, Digestibility, Feeding Behaviors, and Blood Parameters of Atabay Lactating Ewes. Research On Animal Production. 16(2): 32-43. doi: 10.61882/rap.2024.1462 [ DOI] 2. Yazdi, M.H., Eftekhari‐Shahroudi, F., Hejazi, M. and Liljedahl, L.E., 1998. Environmental effects on growth traits and fleece weights in Baluchi sheep. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics. 115(1‐6): 455-465. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.1998.tb00367.x [ DOI] 3. Flay, K.J., Ridler, A.L., Compton, C.W. and Kenyon, P.R., 2021. Ewe wastage in New Zealand commercial flocks: extent, timing, association with hogget reproductive outcomes and BCS. Animals. 11(3): 779. doi: 10.3390/ani11030779 [ DOI] 4. Ridler, A.L., Kenyon, P.R., Greer, A.W., Logan, C.M., Morgan, S. and Corner-Thomas, R.A., 2024. Ewe culling in New Zealand: an interview study of 38 farmers. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research. 67(3): 361-371. doi: 10.1080/00288233.2023.2280624 [ DOI] 5. McLaren, A., McHugh, N., Lambe, N.R., Pabiou, T., Wall, E. and Boman, I.A., 2020. Factors affecting ewe longevity on sheep farms in three European countries. Small Ruminant Research. 189: 106145. doi: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106145 [ DOI] 6. Smitchger, J.A., Taylor, J.B., Mousel, M.R., Schaub, D., Thorne, J.W., Becker, G.M. and Murdoch, B.M., 2024. Genome-wide associations with longevity and reproductive traits in US rangeland ewes. Frontiers in Genetics. 15: 1398123. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1398123 [ DOI] 7. Ardestani, M., Dirandeh, E. and Mahjoubi, E., 2025. Effects of Feeding Different Chelated Mineral Sources on the Performance of Afshari Ewes and Lambs. Research On Animal Production. 16(2): 1-10. doi: 10.61882/rap.2024.1525 (In Persian) [ DOI] 8. Kosgey, I..S., Van Arendonk, J.A.M. and Baker, R.L., 2025. Longevity and survival analysis of indigenous and crossbred sheep in smallholder systems. Small Ruminant Research. 237: 107289. 9. Ytrehus, B., Ødegård, J. and Meuwissen, T.H.E., 2024. Genome-wide associations with longevity and reproductive traits in Norwegian sheep. Genetics Selection Evolution. 56: 13. 10. Najafi, A., Mohammadi, H. and Vatankhah, M., 2018. Effects of inbreeding on reproductive traits of Iranian Baluchi sheep. Small Ruminant Research. 164: 1-6. 11. Jahan, M., Tariq, M.M., Kakar, M.A. and Waheed, A., 2013. Reproductive performance of Balochi sheep in different ecological zones of Balochistan, Pakistan. Pakistan Veterinary Journal. 33: 37-40. 12. Shakeri, M., Farzaneh, N. and Khezri, A., 2013. Prevalence of clinical and subclinical ketosis in Holstein cows in Iran. Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances. 8(6): 604-612. 13. Nowicki, J., Balcerak, M. and Krawczyk, J., 2019. Subclinical acidosis prevalence in dairy cows in Poland. Annals of Animal Science. 19(2): 563-574. 14. Van Eetvelde, M. and Opsomer, G., 2017. Evidence based protocols for fertility management in dairy cows. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice. 33(3): 435-452. 15. Diskin, M.G. and Morris, D.G., 2008. Embryonic and early foetal losses in cattle and other ruminants. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 43(s2): 260-267. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01171.x [ DOI] 16. Torres, S., Muñoz, L. and Hidalgo, M.A., 2014. Causes of abortion in small ruminants: A review. Revista Científica. 24(2): 174-182. doi: 10.15520/ijcrr/2017/8/07/265 [ DOI] 17. Lammoglia, M.A., Bellows, R.A. and Burfening, P.J., 1999. Effects of dystocia on subsequent reproductive performance in beef cattle. Theriogenology. 51(4): 911-921. 18. Smith, B.P., Morris, D.D. and Johnston, J.K., 2009. Alterations in blood proteins. Large animal internal medicine. 411-416. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-323-55445-9.00004-5 [ DOI] 19. Constable, P.D., Hinchcliff, K.W., Done, S.H. and Grünberg, W., 2016. Veterinary medicine: a textbook of the diseases of cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and goats. Elsevier Health Sciences. 20. Whay, H.R., Waterman, A.E. and Webster, A.J.F., 2003. Associations between locomotion, claw lesions and nociceptive threshold in dairy heifers during the peri partum period. Veterinary Journal. 165(2): 172-179. doi: 10.1016/s1090-0233(97)80053-6 [ DOI] 21. Radostits, O.M., Blood, D.C. and Gay, C.C., 1997. Veterinary medicine: a textbook of the diseases of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses. doi: 10.1016/s0737-0806(00)80409-8 [ DOI] 22. Collins, D.S. and Huey, R.J., 2014. Gracey's meat hygiene. John Wiley & Sons.
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
