The biometrics of Mazandaran Zel sheep as unique sheep breed of Iran

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted to register and introduce the biometric indicators of the Zel sheep on some flock of stockbreeder who were inhabit Mazandaran villages.
Materials & Methods: The live weight, body biometric, milk and its composition, and fleece of 200 ewes and 20 rams was recorded during one year randomly.
Result: Based on results of ewe biometric traits, these values were recorded, live weight 33.8±4.78 kg, chest circumference 82.6±7.01 cm, body length 41.4±3.76 cm, body height 63.8±4.69 cm, and tail 24.5±4.02 cm. the values of milk daily quantity, fat, protein, and
lactose were 700±170.3, 4.3±1.56, 4.9±0.59, and 4.7±0.49 respectively. The recorded traits of ewe fleece weight, staple, diameter and efficiency were: 1700±0.30 gr, 10±2.33 cm, 34.7±2.68 mic, and 64.2±5.78 percent. The lambs birth weight, weaning weight, and daily
gain weight to weaning for male and female mean, were 2.9 kg, 13.100 kg, and 130 gr respectively.
Conclusion: The live weight, chest circumference, body length, body height, and tail length of Rams were 6505 kg, 88, 50.5, 65.4 and 22 cm respectively.