Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

The growth performance of local lambs of Hassan region was assessed in this study. Twelve lambs (born during the period from May, 2017 to April, 2018) from each agro-climatic zones were selected and recorded for their body weight starting from their birth up to nine months at fortnightly intervals. The data was categorised for 0-3, 3-6 and 6-9 months lambs and along with the birth weight, Average Daily Gain was analysed statistically to assess their growth rate. It was observed that the average ADG (g) recorded between 0-3, 3-6 and 6-9 months of age was 68.28 ± 1.48, 52.34 ± 1.68 and 38.29 ±1.58, respectively and the average weight at birth, three months, six months and nine months were 2.51 ± 0.06, 8.65 ± 0.17, 13.3 ±0.34 and 16.79 ±0.50 kg respectively. The study revealed that the birth weight, ADG and growth rate varied significantly in Central Dry Zone in comparison with other two zones. Larger flock size, poor vegetation and early let out of ewes, less attention to lambs with respect to suckling and care by the mother were the reasons attributed to the reduced growth rate of lambs.