Abstract
Pedigree records of 392 Awassi ewes, the progeny of 25 rams were used to study the effect of inbreeding on performance traits, The coefficients of inbreeding it 16t inbred eves averaged I0069-1-0,65% with a range from O.7 to 35.59%. Birth weight, adjusted 120 days weaning weight and wool yield per annum avert-ged 4.00+0.05. 27.29+ 0.33 and 2..61±0.03 kg, respectively in tb inbred ewes, The regression analyses revealed that the three traits were not significantly effected by the level of inbreeding. The regre-ssions of birth weight, weaning weight and wool yeild on inbreeding were P0.002±0,009,-0 IN2 +11.052 and -0_008+0 005kg,tesipectively. Prolificacy averaged 1.12±0.02 lambs per ewe lambing and was riot significantly affected by the level of inbreeding, Regression of prolificacy on inbreeding was -0.006-1-0.005 lambs.
INTRODUCTION
Pakistan pastures 26.8 million sheep providing about 25.!!..: of meat and 53.2 thousand tonnes of coarse wool annually. Selection within indigenous breeds ii being carried out for genetic improvement of sheep but this approach is capital and time intensive. The improvement in mutton and wool yield without sacrificins carpet quality can also be sought by crossing with carefully selected exntic breeds, The Awassi sheep native of Middle East, has been introduced in Pakistan on experimental basis. The analysis of data accumu-lated for the last twenty years could provide information about the suitability of the breed for propagation
