Optimizing pilot scale intensive lamb production using Naeemi and Border Leicester Merino Ewes Bred to Naeemi Rams

Lamb and mutton are listed as priority commodities in the recently completed Kuwait`s Agricultural Master Plan (1 995-201 5). In the past, considerable progress has been made in local and imported exotic sheep breeds under an intensive system production (feedlot conditions and zero grazing). The findings of ruultibreed comparative studies showed potential for pilot production of lamb and mutton in an intensive system of production using imported cross-bred Border Leicester Merino and local Naeemi sheep. A lambing rate of 140 percent was obtained when Border Leicester Merino ewes were crossed with local . Naeemi rams. Further improvement is possible by reduction in reproductive losses in ewes and pre-weaning lamb losses and improvement in the efficiency of feed utilization.
The scope and objectives of the project have been addressed through nine tasks. The main approach of the work involves pilot production of lambs using already proven Border Leicester Merino ewes and Naeemi sheep in a crossbreeding program. The initial operation will comprise 500 head of sheep. Both pilot production and research flocks of sheep will be used as demonstration units and for training of staff members. The existing feedlot farm facifities of Kuwait* Livestock Transport and Trading Company with some modification will be used for pilot lamb production. experimental Station of Kuwait Institute for scientific Research will be used to carry out optimization studies on both local and imported crossbred sheep