Phenotypic Characterization and Reproductive Performance of Blackhead Somali Sheep in Fafen Zone of Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Objective. The study aimed to characterize the reproductive performances and physical characteristics of Blackhead Somali indigenous sheep breeds. Methods. The data from 460 sheep were used for the determination of morphometric characterization while 110 male sheep and 150 females were used to characterize the reproductive performance of Blackhead Somali sheep breeds. Results. Accordingly, about 86% of sheep have a white body with a blackhead as the dominant coat color and about 81% of sheep have a straight facial head profile. Dewlap was present in 92.7% (91.8% for males and 92.7% for females). The overall average body weight, body length, height at wither, height at the rump, heart girth, chest depth, pelvic width, and tail circumference differs significantly ( p < 0.05 ) among males and females with the advancement of age. The average age at first service, age at first lambing, lambing interval, and life lamb crop in ewe were 13.75 ± 2.44, 19.12 ± 2.41, 9.66 ± 1.56, and 6.18 ± 2.01, respectively. The average reproductive life span of ewe and ram was 6.04 ± 1.43 and 6.63 ± 1.49 years, respectively. On average Blackhead Somali ewe delivers 13.1 ± 4.3 lambs in her lifetime. The twinning and triplet rate were recorded to be 12.30% and 1.90%, respectively. Conclusion. In conclusion, shorter lambing intervals, higher adult body weight, and frequent twinning are the most desirable features which may also be used as selection criteria. It is recommended to do further detailed analyses to determine the genetic variation between and within these small populations to develop an effective conservation and utilization program.