Performance of Finnsheep in South Africa J C Greeff, J H Hofmeyr, D J Lourens, G A Wyma and K Maijala Greeff, J.C., Hofmeyr, J.H., Lourens, D.J., Wyma, G.A. & Maijala, K. 1992. Performance of Finnsheep in South Africa. Agric. Sei. Finl. 1: 195-202. (Irene Anim. Breed., SF-31600 Jokioinen,Finland.) Reproduction, survival, growth and wool parameters were calculated for an experi- mental flock of Finnsheep from 1969 until 1986 under semi-intensive conditions. The total number of lambs bom were 1774. Litter size, survival rate at birth and from birth to weaning differed significantly (PcO.Ol) between years. Lambing percentages va- ried between 56.0 and 90.6% while average litter size varied between 1.97 and 3.1 lambs. Survival rate at birth declined as litter size increased, from 92.2% for single- tons to 63.5% for quintuplets, while survival rate from birth to weaning also declined from 74.1% for singletons to 57.0% for quintuplets. For singletons, twins, triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets the least squares means of birth mass was 2.5 ± 0.06; 2.2 ±0.05; 2.0 ±0.05; 1.8 ± 0.06 and 1.7± 0.10, weaning mass was 19.0± 0.47; 16.8 ± 0.37; 16.8 ±0.36; 16.2 ±0.45 and 16.4 ± 0.94, and 12months mass 43.9 ± 1.5; 40.1 ± 1.4; 38.5 ± 1.3; 37.0 ± 1.5 and 38.9 ± 4.7 respectively. Average fleece mass were 2.6 and 2.4 kg with an average fibre diameter of 26.0 and 26.7 micron for rams and ewes, respectively. Key words: Finnsheep, ewe reproduction, lamb survival, lamb growth, wool Introduction Attempts to improve economic and biological effi- ciency in sheep production systems have focussed attention on the vital role of reproduction and con- sequently on highly fertile sheep breeds of the world. Improvement in the reproduction rate through accelerated lambing and/or higher fecun- dity of the ewe flock may offer the greatest oppor- tunity for increasing production. The infusion of high fertility genes through crossbreeding has proved to be the most rapid breeding procedure to increase the reproduction rate in sheep flocks and theFinnish Landrace has been used extensively for this purpose (Maijala, 1984). However, with the exception of a few publications (eg. Goot et al., 1979; Maijala and Österberg 1977; Maijala 1984; Aboul-Naga 1988; Baker 1988; Boylan et al. 1988; Valls Ortiz 1988) thereappears to be comparatively little published information on the general performance of Finnsheep. A nucleus of Finnish Landrace sheep (Finnsheep) was 195 Agrlc. Sei. Finl. 1 (1992) https://www.c-info.fi/en/info/?token=F0ISYsDwvIQLdj-C.pQEo6xKuieaKyCrgXfyFQg.06lv8sw5_fw-BxkgJ0gH9321iYqriDooT-BdjWQV1LgOzvbZb605vO2pIt3ZJTZW-WVgsIRPn652UDbJTAADRkgpqnxK8B2d0sqdTOINslnk8X7MaMXGlL5p2cdm4cVhHZ-u_-yLMRIs1eCBRhYYfSEICjGgzYHkz4H3rWvps10ImMraAuOzrfss2BAK67b7zLwOrpbIsK-yy5-7QyK4htf6ysi_DD8AMTJjnmhThIs8wTCK8UKgEUUepUJAtH_pTD_FN_Z3s93746_-aLn2uUwZRQmZFyCqWlT3YIdbS6yXDBK6uedYpZyBm43hfhVMlduq imported into South Africa during 1968 for experi- mental purposes. The original consignment consis- ted of 5 rams and 20 ewes. A subsequent importa- tion of semen from four rams was made in 1981. This paper reports on the performance of this nuclues flock ofpure bred Finnsheep over alB year period in a temperate environment in South Africa. Material and methods Experimental animals and general management The animals were kept at the Animal and Dairy Science Research Institute (ADSRI), latitude 22 55”, longitude 28 12”, and altitude 1523 m above sea level. The climate is representative of the main inland region, with hot summer days and cool nights while the winter days are moderate with cold nights (sub-zero during June-August). The average rainfall is 580 mm per year which occurs mainly in summer (November-March). After importation the animals were kept under confined veterinary quarantine conditions for three and a half years and standard management practi- ces were followed with one lambing per year. Handmating was practised and mating took place during April and May (Autumn) each year with lambing during September and October (Spring). Three to four days before lambing ewes were penn- ed individually where they lambed under close supervision and where birth details were recorded. Depending on the milk flow of the ewe, lambs were reared by their dams or received additional cow’s colostrum for approximately 3 days after birth. Thereafter, depending on litter size and the strength of the lambs, they received additional cow’s milk until weaning. Initially, the animals received a basic dietof mill- ed lucerne hay ad libitum with a daily allowance of about 200 g of a commercially pelleted concen- trate. As from 1978 the animals were kept on Pen- nisetum clandestinum pastures and received a complete pelleted diet during late pregnancy and lactation. From three weeks of age the lambs had free access to the complete pelleted dietand receiv- ed this diet through weaning at about 100 days of age until about six months of age. Ewe lambs mated at seven months of age were kept on this diet until their lambs were weaned. Statistical methods Lambing percentage and survival rate were analys- ed with a Chi-square procedure (Steel and Torrie, 1980) while fecundity, growth and wool data were analysed with the least squares means and maxi- mum likelihood computer programme of Harvey (1977). Year of birth, type of birth (i.e. singles or multiples), age of dam and sex of lamb were includ- ed in the model as fixed effects. Contrasts were used to test for significant differences between effects within a major class. Results Reproductive performance and survival Observations on lambing percentage, fecundity and mortality rate for the flock are indicated in Table 1. Year had a significant effect (P<0.01) on lambing percentage, fecundity and survival rate. Compared to the results of Maijala and Österberg (1977), the lambing percentage was lower because ewe lambs which were mated at 7 months of age were included in the analyses. Ewes that were mated for the first time at about 7 months of age had an ave- rage lambing percentage of 56.8%. This low lamb- ing percentage is probably due to a low body mass of less than 27 kg at time of mating. In 1977 ewe lambs were not mated at 7 months of age which accounted for the 100% lambing percentage record- ed for the subsequent breeding season. In 1983 all ewes were artificially inseminated with imported frozen Finnsheep semen which accounted for the 23.4% lambing percentage. In 1984, 1985 and 1986 mature ewes were intra-uterally inseminated, after which ewes that did not conceive were mated to Finn rams. An average fecundity of239.4% was obtained with a range of 197.6% (1978) to 310% 196 Agric. Sei. Finl. 1(1992) 197 Agric. Sei. Finl. 1(1992) Table 1. Lambing percentage, fecundity and mortality rate ofFinnsheep from 1969 until 1986. Number Mortality of at from from Year Lambing Fecundity lambs birth birth weaning born to to 12 weaning months (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 1969 - 221.4 31 10 21 1970 - 213.3 32 25 17 1971 - 230.8 60 23 37 31 1972 - 220.0 77 25 50 0 1973 87.8 230.0 115 25 41 1974 - 227.8 82 - - 52 1975 - 262.3 202 14 31 91 1976 83.3 227.2 184 20 40 24 1977* 100.0 242.9 119 12 20 74 1978 78.7 197.6 83 14 11 19 1979 84.9 232.3 151 19 24 34 1980 81.2 234.0 124 18 32 22 1981 59.5 240.0 86 27 32 30 1982 90.6 224.1 130 23 39 42 1983** 23.4 219.0 35 26 50 5 1984 75.0 290.0 61 39 55 26 1984 42.8(a) 175.0 21 31 48 30 1985 56.0 267.0 52 47 57 39 1985 39.4(a) 231.0 38 16 64 24 1986 73.1 310.0 59 20 45 34 1986 28.9(a) 246.0 32 40 52 33 Average 77.0(b) 239.4(b) 1774 21 38 36 Lambing percentage = (Number ofewes lambed / ewes mated) x 100 Fecundity = (Number of lambs born / ewes lambed) x 100 * During 1977 only ewes older than 12months ofage were mated, ** During 1983 all mature ewes were inseminated with frozen semen (a) Lambing from intra-uterine inseminations (b) Excluding 1977, 1983 and lambing from intra-uterine inseminations Empty cells: Data not available (1986) for handmating. The age of the ewe had a significant effect (P<0.05) on fecundity which increased until 6 years of age (Table 2). The average mass ofewes at lamb- ing was about 53 kg. These fecundity rates agree very well with comparable results in the literature (Maijala and Österberg 1977). About 67% ofall lambs were born either as twins or triplets while the rest were singles (11 %) quadruplets (18%) or quin- tuplets (5%) (Table 3). Heavier ewes seem to pro- duce more lambs (Table 3). Most of the lambs born as singles were from ewes lambing at 12 months of age. In general the survival rate of lambs was very poor. Table 1 indicates an average mortality rate of 21% at birth, 38% from birth to weaning at 100 days and 36% from weaning until 12 months of age. During 1975 95% of all lambs born died before one year of age. It appears that there are two major causes of the high mortality rates among Finnsheep: 1. Environmental stress caused by diurnal fluctua- tions in temperature results in heavy losses in new- born lambs. Table 2. Average fecundity ofFinnsheep per age group. Age of the ewe Average at lambing body mass Fecundity (years) n at lambing (%) (kg) 1 81 43 161.T 2 194 50 222.2" 3 151 56 232.2" 4 123 56 264.9C 5 84 56 260.0C 6 46 58 296.3 d 7 27 58 233.9"= 8 12 52 255.2"cd 9 5 47 261.9bcd x 723 53 243.1 Means with different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05) Table 3. Occurrence ofmultiple births of Finnsheep. Average body Type ofbirth massat % Occurrence lambing (kg) Singletons 51 11.1 Twins 52 33.9 Triplets 54 32.9 Quadruplets 55 17.6 Quintuplets 58 4.5 Table 4. Survival rate at birth. Survival rate at birth n birth to weaningType ofbirth n (%) (%) Singletons 166 92.2* 122 74.1* Twins 496 85.2b 343 69.2»b Triplets 497 79.9' 319 64.2*» Quadruplets 252 68.4d 160 63.7*» Quintuplets 50 63.5d 25 57.4'25 57.4' Means in the same column with different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05). 2. Finnsheep appear to be more susceptible than local breeds to lung diseases such as Pasteurellosis. Regular innoculation against this disease was not effective nor did sheep respond to treatment with antibiotics. Survival rate is closely related to litter size (Table 4). As litter size increases, the survival rate at birth and from birth to weaning decreases significantly (P<0.05). Furthermore, notwithstanding the fact that lambs were fed additional milk irrespective of the type of birth, lambs bom from ewes lambing at one year of age were generally weaker and required additional care. Gestation length No significant differences were found in gestation length between ewes with different litter sizes (Table 5), but these values (143 days) are lower than the average gestation length recorded for breeds such as the Merino (150.3 days), Karakul (150.7 days) and Romney Marsh (149.6 days) (Hugo, 1966). Breeding season Visscher (1974) reported that Finnsheep appears to have a longer breeding season than European breeds such as the Ile de France. To determine the oestrus pattern and the onset of oestrus of Finn- sheep in South Africa, 26 ewe lambs bom during October 1980 were teased with vasectomized rams for 12 months, from weaning at 100 days of age (January 1981)until December 1981 the same year. Ewes were teased daily and the number of ewes showing oestrus was recorded. The oestrus pattern of ewe lambs as a percentage of total oestrus response shown, is indicated in Table 6. The first signs of oestrus occurred during March. In April there was a sharp increase which peaked in June. Thereafter it declined until October after which no signs ofoestrus were recorded. Ewe lambs showed the first signs of oestrus at an average body mass of31.8 ± 3.98 kg and at 242 ± 24.4 days ofage, with an oestrus every 16.1 ± 1.03 days on average. 198 Agric. Sei. Fint. 1 (1992) Table 5. Gestation length per type ofbirth (mean ± standard deviation). Type ofbirth Number Gestation length (days) births x ± s d Singletons 39 143 ± 2.44 Twins 66 142 ±2.61 Triplets 47 142 ±2.30 Quadruplets 22 143 ±2.18 Quintuplets 3 143 ± 3.06 Total/Mean 177 143 Table 6. Seasonal oestrus pattern of Finnsheep ewe lambs (n =26). Month Oestrus as a percentage of total oestrus shown February March 8.02 April 17.65 May 19.79 June 22.99 July 19.79 August 8.02 September 3.21 October 0.53 November Body mass Table 7 indicates that as litter size increased, birth mass, weaning mass and 12 months mass decreas- ed. No significant differences were found for wea- ning mass and 12 months mass between triplets, quintuplets and quadruplets, probably because quadruplets and quintuplets received preferential treatment from birth. Age of the ewe had a highly significant effect (P<0.01) on birth mass and 12 months mass (Table 8) but not on weaning mass with a mean of 16.3kg, probably because the effect of milk production was eliminated, since weak lambs received additional milk from birth until weaning. As the age of the ewe increased, birth mass increased to an age of 9 years. The twelve month mass of lambs bom from ewes lambing at about 1 year of age was signifi- cantly P<0.01) lighter than lambs born from mature ewes, in spite of the fact that no significant differ- ences were found for weaning mass. Sex of the lamb also had a significant effect on birth mass, weaning mass and 12 months mass. In all cases ewe lambs were significantly (P<0.01) lighter than ram lambs (Table 9). Wool traits Table 10 indicates the wool characteristics of Finnsheep rams and ewes. Very light fleeces of respectively 2.6 and 2.2 kg were recorded for rams and ewes. However, no significant differences were found between rams and ewes for any wool trait. Visually the fleeces differ greatly from Merino type fleeces but with a fibre diameter of 26.0 and 26.7 micron, and with crimps per 25 mm Table 7. Least squaremeans (± SE) ofbirth mass, weaning mass and 12months mass ofFinnsheep according to type ofbirth. Birth Weaning 12months Type of mass mass mass birth n x ± SE x ± SE n x±SE (kg) (kg) (kg) Singletons 118 2.8±0.06a 18.8±0.53a 31 43.9±1.56a Twins 342 2.5±0.06b 16.2±0.42b 69 40.1±1.35b Triplets 318 2.3±0.05c 15.6±0.40bc 65 38.5±1.31bc Quadruplets 160 2.1±0.06d 15.2±0.49c 32 37.0±1.48c Quintuplets 27 1.9±0.12e 15.3±0.97bc 2 38.9±4.70bc 965 199 Means in the same column with different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.01) 199 Agric. Sei. Finl. 1 (1992) Table 8. Effect of age of the ewe on birth and 12 months mass. Age of ewe L.S means of L.S. means of (years) birth mass 12 months mass n xi SE n x i SE 1 70 1.8910.08» 8 34.712.66" 2 237 2.0510.05" 39 38.811.61" 3 232 2.2010.05" 59 37.911.49" 4 181 2.2510.05" 46 40.211.62" 5 115 2.2610.06" 26 38.311.74" 6 67 2.3310.07"" 12 46.812.35' 7 44 2.3310.09" 8 39.912.45" 8 15 2.6310.15 C 1 41.110.00" 9 4 2.77i0.28cd Means in the same column with different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.01) Table 9. Least square means (1 SE) ofbirth mass, weaning mass and 12 months mass ofram and ewe lambs ofFinnsheep. Ram lambs Ewe lambs n xi SE n x i SE Birth mass (kg 486 2.38 ±0.05" 479 2.22 ±O.O5b Weaning mass (kg 486 17.0+0.40» 479 15.5 ±0.42" 12 Months mass (kg) 92 41.8 ±1.57» 107 37.6±1.50b Means in the same row with different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.01) of 5.8 and 5.2 for rams and ewes respectively, Finnsheep wool falls within the acceptable Duer- den standards (Duhrden 1929). Carcass traits Thirteen ram and 16ewe lambs were slaughtered at 5 different live masses. Each carcass was dissected into subcutaneous fat (scf), meat and bone and the mass of each component, as a percentage of the total carcass mass are indicated in Table 11. Although a small numberof lambs is involved, it is clear that as slaughter mass increases, dressing percentage and percentage subcutaneous fat in the carcass also increases while percentage bone de- creases in accordance with the general tendency recorded in the literature (Kempster et al., 1982). Ewe lambs had a higher dressing percentage and more subcutaneous fat thanram lambs at all masses while the percentage lean was about the same. It Table 10. Least squares means ofwool traits of Finnsheep. Trait EwesRams x x Number ofanimals 790364 Greasy fleece mass (kg) Fibre diameter (micron) Staple length (mm) 2,6 2.2 26.7 105.5 26.0 110.2 Crimps per 25mm Clean yield (%) Fibre deviation from 5.25.8 66.863.8 Duerden standard (= 100) 98.0101.0 appears that the amount ofsubcutaneous fat of both sexes is far less than the average amount of subcu- taneous fat of 8.5 percent for carcasses of 17.5 kg of all sheep slaughtered in South Africa (Bruwer et al., 1987). These results agree with the findings ofBoylan et al. (1976) in Finnsheep crosses, indi- cating the leanness of this breed. 200 Agric. Sei. Finl. 1 (1992) Table 11. Least squares means ofcarcass traits ofFinnsheep lambs. Ram lambs Ewe lambs Slaughter mass (kg) n Dressing Scf Meat Bone n Dressing Scf Meat Bone (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 20 2 37 1.1 81.1 17.8 41 2.6 83.0 14.4 43 4.6 81.6 13.8 44 5.7 81.1 13.2 42 5.8 82,5 11.6 5 40 3.3 82.5 14.2 44 4.7 81.4 13.9 47 6.7 81.2 12.1 47 7.4 79.5 13.1 45 6.7 81.1 12.2 25 3 3 30 4 4 35 3 3 40 1 I Total 13 16 Scf = subcutaneous fat Conclusions With very few exceptions no significant role is seen for pure-bred Finnsheep in the local sheep industry. However, through crossbreeding, Hofmeyr (1980), Greeff and Hofmeyr (1988) and Greeff et al, (1990) showed that the high fertility of the Finn- sheep can make a valuable contribution in increas- ing the reproductive efficiency of sheep production under intensive, semi-intensive and extensive con- ditions in South Africa. Traditionally, the sheep industry has resisted any encouragement to promote multiple births in sheep. The comparatively low value ofindividual animals did not justify the managerial and labour inputs associated with multiple births such as the nursing and fostering of lambs. However, this perception has changed in recent years with the increase in improved pastures and relatively high mutton and lamb prices. The local market has not been very receptive as far as Finnsheep wool is concerned, but Hofmeyr (1980) indicated that the processing qualities of Finn x Merino wool was closer to Merino wool than that of any other Merino cross produced. As wool production is a major consideration in a country such as South Africa, the Finnsheep could play an importantpart in the establishmentofa dual purpose white wool composite female line for the industry, especially where nutritional conditions favour intensive lamb production. References Aboul-Naga, A.M. 1988. Finnsheep and their crosses under subtropical conditions. J. Agric. Sci. Finl. 60: 473-480. Baker, R.L. 1988. Finnsheep and their utilization expe- riences in temperate conditions. J. Agric. Sci. Finl. 60: 455-472. Boylan, W.J., Fecht, J.W. & Sakul, H. 1988. Milk pro- duction in Finnsheep and Romanov breeds. J. Agric. Sci. Finl. 60: 603-607. Boylan, W.J., Berger, Y.M. & Allen, C.E. 1976. Carcass merit of Finnsheep crossbred lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 42: 1413-1420. Bruwer, G.G., Naudé, R.T., Du Toit, M.M. & Cloete, A. 1987. An evaluation of the lamb and mutton carcase grading system in the Republic ofSouth Africa. 2, The use of fat measurements as predictors ofcarcase compo- sition. S. Aft. J. Anim. Sci. 17: 85-89. Duerden, lE. 1929. Standards of thickness and crimps in Merino wools. J. Text. Inst. 20, 93- 100. Goot, H., Eyal, E., Folman, Y. & Foote, W.C. 1979. Con- temporary comparisons between progeny by Finnish Landrace and Romanov rams out ofMutton Merino and Awassi ewes. Livest. Prod. Sci. 6: 283-293. Greeff, J.C. & Hofmeyr, J.H. 1988. Finnsheep and their utilization in crosses with the Merino under range condi- tions of South Africa. J. Agric. Sci. Finland. 60: 500 - 504. —, Roux C.R. & Wyma, G.A. 1990. Lifetime meat pro- 201 Agric. Sei. Fint. 1(1992) duction from six different F. crossbred ewes. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. 20: 71 - 77. Harvey, W. 1977. User’s guide for LSML76 Mixed model least-squares and maximum likelihood computer program. Ohio State Univ. Hofmeyr, J.H. 1980. Implications of experimental results of crossbreeding sheep in the Republic ofSouth Africa. Proc. World Congr. Sheep and Beef Cattle Breeding. Vol I. Ed. R A Barton and W C Smith. The Dunmore Press, New Zealand. Hugo, W.J. 1966. Small stock industry of South Africa. Department ofAgricultural Technical Services. Govern- ment Printer, Pretoria. KEMPSTER, A.J., CUTHBERTSON, A. & HARRINGTON, G. 1982. Carcase Evaluation in Livestock Breeding, Production and Marketing. Granada, London. Maijala, K. 1984. Review of experiences about the use of Finnsheep in improving fertility. Proc. 2nd Wrld. Congr. Sheep Beef Cattle, Breed, held in Pretoria, p. 519-531. & Österberg, S. 1977. Productivity ofpure Finnsheep in Finnland and abroad. Livest. Prod. Sci. 4: 355-377. Steel, R.G.D. & Torrie, J.H. 1980. Principles and proce- dures of Statistics. McGraw-Hill. Valls Ortiz, M. 1988. Finnsheep and Romanov compara- tive performances obtained under the same management conditions in Spain. J. Agric. Sci. Finland. 60: 553. Visscher, A.H. 1974. A crossbreeding experiment with three breeds of sheep. Proc. Work. Symp. Breed Eval. Cross. Exp., Zeist: 475-491. Manuscript received September 1991 J C Greeff J H Hoftneyr D J Lourens G A Wyma Irene Animal Production Institute Irene 1675 Republic ofSouth Africa Kalle Maijala Present address: Haapatie 13 D SF-00780 Helsinki, Finland SELOSTUS Puhtaan suomenlampaan menestyminen Etelä-Afrikassa J C Greeff, J H Hofmeyr, D J Lourens, G A Wyma JA K Maijala Irene Animal Production Institute ja Maatalouden tutkimuskeskus Lammastalouden taloudellista ja biologista tehoa parannet- taessa on kiinnitetty huomio lisääntymiskykyyn ja sikiäviin rotuihin. Sikiävyysgeenien tuonti muista roduista on tässä osoittautunut nopeaksi menetelmäksi. Tähän on käytetty paljon suomenlammasta. Siitä haluttiin kokemuksia Etelä- Afrikassakin, jonne koe-eläinainesta tuotiin 1968 sekä lisäksi neljän pässin spermaa 1981. Nämä pidettiin sisä- maassa (22 et.lev., 1523 ra kork.), jossa kesäpäivät ovat kuumia ja yöt viileitä, talvipäivät lauhkeita ja yöt kylmiä. Sadetta tulee keskimäärin 580 mm/v,pääosa kesällä. Karitsointi-%:ssa, vuonuekoossa ja eloonjäänti-%:ssa oli merkitseviä vuosien välisiä eroja. Karitsointi-% vaihteli 56.0 -90.6 % ja vuonuekoko 1.97 - 3.1. Eloonjäänti-% syn- tyessä ja syntymästä vieroitukseen aleni vuonuekoon nous- tessa. Syntymävuosien ja -tyyppien välillä oli merkitseviä eroja syntymä-, vieroitus-ja 12kk:n painossa. Ykkösten vastaavat painot olivat 47, 16 ja 13 % suuremmatkuin viitosten, mutta 3-, 4-ja 5-karitsoiden väliset erot vieroitus-ja 12 kk:n pai- noissa eivät olleet merkitseviä, koska 4- ja 5-karitsat saivat lisähoitoa syntymästä alkaen. Uuhen iällä oli hyvin merkit- sevä vaikutus syntymä-ja 12 kk:n painoon, mutta ei vieroi- tuspainoon, koska heikkojen karitsoiden saama lisämaito syntymästä vieroitukseen eliminoi maidontuotannon vaiku- tuksen. Uuhen vanhetessa syntymäpaino nousi 9 vuoden ikään asti. 1-vuorisista uuhista syntyneet karitsat painoivat 12 kk:n iässä merkitsevästi vähemmän kuin aikuisten uuhien karitsat, vaikka vieroituspainossa ei ollut merkitseviä eroja. Karitsoiden sukupuoli vaikutti merkitsevästi kaikkiin pai- noihin: uuhet olivat kevyempiä kuin pässit. Sekä pässien että uuhien villamäärät olivat pienet (2.6,2.2 kg). Villan laadussa ei ollut merkitseviä sukupuolieroja. Se poikkesi suuresti merinotyypin villasta, mutta villakuitujen hienous jakiharatiheys täyttivät maan laatuvaatimukset. Tulosten perusteella ei puhtaalle suomenlampaalle ole nähtävissä merkittävää roolia Etelä-Afrikan lammastalou- dessa. Risteytyskokeiden mukaan voidaan sen hyvästä hedelmällisyydestä silti saada arvokas apu lammastalouden lisääntymistehoon maan erilaisissa voimaperäisyysolosuh- teissa. Maassa on vastustettu monisynnytysten edistämistä, koska eläinyksilöiden vähäarvoisuus ei ole innostanut hoito- työn lisäämiseen. Käsitys on kuitenkin muuttunut viime vuosina, laitumien parantuessa sekä lampaanlihan hintojen noustessa. Maan villamarkkinat eivät myöskään ole olleet kovin innostuneita suomenlampaan villasta, mutta suomen- lammas x merinoristeytysten villan käsittelyominaisuudet ovat lähempänä merinovillaa kuin minkään muun rodun merino-risteytysten. Koska villa on maan lammastalouden päätuote, voisi suomenlammas näytellä tärkeätä osaa valko- villa-lihaemälinjan perustamisessa teollisuutta varten, erityi- sesti siellä, missä ruokintaolosuhteet suosivat voimaperäistä karitsantuotantoa. 202 Agric. Sei. Finl. 1 (1992)