Articles | Volume 68, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-68-541-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-68-541-2025
Original study
 | 
01 Sep 2025
Original study |  | 01 Sep 2025

Longitudinal study of inbreeding effect on growth traits of Marwari lambs

Jayesh Vyas, Ashish Chopra, and Harvinder Kumar Narula

Cited articles

Addo, S., Schäler, J., Hinrichs, D., and Thaller, G.: Genetic diversity and ancestral history of the German Angler and the Red-and-White dual-purpose cattle breeds assessed through pedigree analysis, Agric. Sci., 8, 1033–1047, https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2017.89075, 2017. 
Alsheikh, S.: Effect of inbreeding on birth and weaning weights and lamb mortality in a flock of Egyptian Barki sheep, ISAH-Warsaw. Poland 1, 187–191, https://www.isah-soc.org/userfiles/downloads/proceedings/2005/sections/32_vol_1.pdf (last access: 24 June 2025), 2005. 
Analla, M., Montilla, J. M., and Serradilla, J. M..: Analyses of lamb weight and ewe litter size in various lines of Spanish Merino sheep, Small Rumin. Res., 29, 255–259, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4488(97)00136-3, 1998. 
Arora, A. L., Mishra, A. K., Gowane, G. R., and Prince, L. L. L.: Effect of inbreeding on lamb growth in a closed flock of Malpura sheep, Indian Vet. J., 86, 1034–1036, 2009. 
Ballou, J. D.: Ancestral inbreeding only minimally affects in breeding depression in mammalian populations, J. Hered., 88, 169–178, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.jhered.a023085, 1997. 
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Short summary
Our study on Marwari sheep reveals a manageable increase in inbreeding affecting growth traits over 4 decades. Strategic breeding is crucial for enhancing genetic diversity and optimizing livestock productivity, which is vital for rural livelihoods and food security. Our findings underscore the importance of managing inbreeding to maintain healthy, productive herds, ultimately supporting resilient rural economies and food security.
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