Characterization of the structure of the sheep flocks in the north of La Pampa Province

Abstract

La Pampa Province is located in the central region of Argentina. Its northern part is an agricultural and livestock zone, with a heterogeneous sheep population used for self-consumption and sale of lambs. This study sought to characterize the sheep flocks in the region as to breed composition and population structure. During the years 2012-2013, a survey was conducted involving eight flocks and 1112 sheep on which individual data were obtained. Population structure was determined by collecting biometric, morphological, and compositional information. Laboratory testing of 632 wool samples involved washing and sorting by breed and fiber diameter. Corriedale, Hampshire Down, Creole, Merino, Texel, Pampinta, and Karacul were the breeds represented. Mean fleece weight per head was 3.59 kg and 75.44% of the samples showed fiber diameter greater than 28 μ. In both sexes more than half of the animals were adults and the percentage of replacement stock was low. The proportion of rams per flock was higher than that recommended for the region. In conclusion, the flocks studied are composed mostly of thick-wooled and meat-type sheep. Flock structure shows the disproportions of animals by age and sex, which is detrimental to productive performance.