Livestock production on Masai group ranches. 2. Growth and liveweight in goats and sheep at Elangata Wuas and the factors influencing them.

Abstract

In 1101 goats and 547 sheep kept under ranch conditions the liveweight development was measured and compared between their 10th and 550th day of life. Consideration was given to factors such as sex, parity, birth type, season of birth, and flock. Post-partum weights of the dams are given and analysed for the same variables. Management of the flocks is the proximate factor in growth rates and liveweight, but almost all other variables also have significant effects on the weight-for-age. Management is also responsible for the biggest differences in weights in post-partum females, while season had a greater effect on this factor in sheep than in goats.