Productivity Indexes of Sumatera Cross Sheep from Birth to Weaning Lambs

The objective of this study was to calculate productivity indexes of Sumatera Cross Sheep (SC) ewes based on performances of birth weight, weaning weight, and daily weight gain. Study used 45 ewes that were naturally bred with a female to male of 7:1, mating three times in two years. Lambs were observed from birth to weaning until 2 mo. divided based on single litter size (LS1) and twins (LS2). Productivity indexes of the ewes were calculated from data of lambing interval, average birth weight and average weaning weight. Birth weight, weaning weight and daily weight gain from birth to weaning between LS1 and LS2 were also compared. The productivity index of SC ewes resulted for 7.99 kg. Lambs at LS 1 to LS 2 were significant differences (P < 0.05) on birth weight (3.0 +/- 0.2 kg vs 2.2 +/- 0.3 kg), weaning weight (9.4 +/- 1.9 kg vs 6.6 +/- 1.9 kg) and daily weight gain (6.4 +/- 1.9 g vs. 4.4 +/- 2.0 g). It was concluded that the productivity indexes of the SC ewes were moderate while the single lambs had higher performances than the twin lambs.