Sheep in Martinique. I. Description of main identified phenotypes and study of some morphological parameters

Abstract

In Martinique (French West Indies) on 483 ewes located in 6 farms, some major morphological parameters (weight, length, height) were measured and statistically compared according to age, phenotype, and flock effects. Differences in size and weight can be explained by age which allows to distinguish two groups: Ewes of about one year old and ewes of more than one year old. Differences between phenotypes are few for the hair sheep. These are bigger than the wollen crosses although this is not true for a F1 between hair sheep dam crossed with Lacaune rams. In that case, the crossbred ewe lambs are significantly bigger (length-weight) than the local breeds. However, the farm effect is prevalent to explain the differences observed on the parameters. To improve production, it is therefore suggested that husbandry and flock management have to be focused on before the choice of the breed by farmers. It is also suggested that standard values of the parameters could be used as a guide in ranking flocks as in regard to their potential production level.