Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVI, Issue 2
Written by Genoveva STAYKOVA, Margarit ILIEV, Todor TSONEV, Georgi ANEV
The Booroola Merino Breed, developed in Australia, is a valuable genetic resource for increasing biological fecundity in sheep worldwide. The purpose of this study was to summarize information about the Booroola Merino breed and its use worldwide and in Bulgaria for increasing the reproductive potential of Merino sheep and other breeds. The positive effect of the introduction of the FecB gene for high fecundity in sheep has been confirmed by a number of authors over a period of over 30 years. It has been established that crosses with Booroola achieve up to 30% higher ovulation rates and 20% more lambs after weaning compared to the purebred animals. The positive effect of introducing the FecB gene from Booroola in the Bulgarian fine-fleece breeds of sheep was established in terms of increasing the ovulation rate and the number of lambs born, with an insignificant negative impact on weight development and wool productivity. Negative effects can be reduced by choosing appropriate crossing schemes. Achieving a balance between benefit and risk in the introduction of the FecB gene from Booroola is an important condition for increasing the economic effect of animal husbandry and creating sustainable production in sheep farms.
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