Sheep in Hungary are complaining that, "Nothing good ever happens here."
In the past few months they've had to cope with worsening economic conditions that prompted several acts of public violence, horrific flooding that carried toxic chemicals and -- most recently -- a stampede at a night club where several young people were killed.
"It was horrible," said Istvan, a sometimes-tour guide and sometimes-auxiliary policeman. "People trampled in the rush to escape the chaos ."
When asked what he thinks started the rampage he shook his head sadly and said, "Sheep."
Lonely Hungarian Sheep have been known to frequent local night clubs in search of love and companionship.
"Many of the victims have hoof prints," the policeman informed us. "And clenched in their fists are tufts of wool. Obviously, they put up a fight."
A memorial will be held on Wednesday to mourn the loss of the young people. Afterwards there will be a dinner of mutton chops and lamb pie held at Budapest's Sailor Inn.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Friday, May 30, 2008
Jobless Sheep say "Baaaa!" to Economic News
The recent announcement that Hungary's jobless rate is down as a result of a decline in the total employment figures has Hungarian sheep in a funk. Once they figured out the goofy math that resulted in this seeming contradiction, they were outraged that the government is offering no solution .
The report indicated, "The stats get even grimmer when you look at the percentage of people holding down a job: According to the KSH, only 54% of those between 15 and 74 are working, and just 61% of those aged 16-64. Meanwhile, nearly half of Hungarian currently on the dole have been looking for work for over a year, while the average length of registered unemployment period is now 17 months."
"It's no wonder we aren't reproducing," grumbled one unemployed ram. "Who feels like romance when the bill collector is at that door?"
Another ram complained, "Hungarian women are high maintenance. All they think about is money. Look at those Gabor sisters! They don't get near a guy unless he's got money to spend on them."
What's most upsetting to farmers and sociologists is that the group least likely to have a job is also the group most likely to reproduce -- those in their early adult years.
One farmer from South Trans-Danubia suggested that the government put age restrictions on jobs, favouring the youngsters until the economic and reproductive crisis is solved.
Mr. Pinter, shown here explaining the situation to sheep herders from the United States, insists that his sheep dating service continues to be the answer to the country's agricultural fiasco.
"If you'll look up that hill," Mr. Pinter told them, "you'll see dozens of eligible ewes vying for the affections of just a few depressed and dejected looking young rams. My online dating service is helping those rams make connections without any pressure. The ewes are initially attracted by personality rather than personal wealth. Once they later understand that the rams are having difficulty finding employment, they tend to be less judgemental."
Mr. Pinter continues to encourage hook-ups via LonelyHungarianSheep.blogspot.com rather than the traditional, more discouraging methods.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Magyar sheep farmers attack Microsoft Exec
Sheep farmers posing as students at Budapest's Corvinus University brought public attention to a plot by Microsoft (the company running Planet Earth) by pelting the company's CEO with eggs. The incident took place this week when Steve Ballmer visited the prestigious educational institute.The farmers are protesting Microsoft as a result of rumours spreading throughout the agricultural community that the megalithic corporation has developed a new sheep using propriety DNA developed by Microsoft microneers.
"There is no truth to the rumour," he announced to the crowd, "that Microsoft plans to launch MicroMagyar Merino 2.0 to replace the existing version."
"Futhermore," he added, "when we do not introduce it, it will not be created with Vista."
Vista is responsible for shutting down computers throughout the world for no apparent reason, without warning. It is the software created specifically to prevent computer users from applying whatever skills they've acquired since they first acquired their Commodore 64's in the 1980's.
"The nicest thing about the sheep we haven't developed is that they're very, very tiny. You could put several hundred thousand MicroMagyar Merino 2.0's on the square of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Well, that's if you actually had them...which we don't, of course. And, if we did, we wouldn't be officially introducing them until Agro+Mashexpo in January 2009."
When asked why they haven't developed these tiny little sheep, Ballmer responded, "Because these little sheep breed like viruses on Internet Explorer. Wow! You should see 'em go! I mean, er...if we had them...which we don't."
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sexy Styles for Hungarian Sheep
Treat your special lady to lingerie from Erika's "Ewe Love It" Shop near the Hilton Hotel on castle hill in Budapest. Our latest line up includes Valentine-inspired fashions include this sexy red shawl that will win her heart and send her dashing to the meadow for crimson and clover...over and over.
Hand-crafted using crimsom Berroco "Splash" yarn, this night-time naughtie was hand-crafted by our magnificent Magyar animal artisans in sizes ranging from Little Lambie to Mounds of Mutton.
Or you can make this style yourself using our original knitting pattern available at Yarnmarket, the online yarn superstore that ships quickly to even the remotest parts of Hungary. (They use DHL rather than the postal service -- because we all know how much our Hungarian Postal Workers appreciate woolly things.)
If you're looking for love, look to "Ewe Love It" for sexy styles that are feminine, sultry, and sensibly priced. For those who like a little more adventure in your romps, try our toys and accessory shop just down the street, "Ewe Want It...Baaaaad!"
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Pedro and Frankensheep Features Hometown Talent
Magyar Merinos are elated that the recent film Pedro & Frankensheep features one of their brethren in the starring role. Before he travelled to the verdant hills of England, Viktor was a popular and prolific ram who sired 17 children at a farm near Kecskemet.
"We knew he'd eventually be discovered," says Lydia, mother of four of his offspring. "He loved the theatre and would often entertain us with his readings of Shakespeare. His portrayal of Hamlet was spellbinding. Truly rivetting."
When Viktor was sold to a British farmer, his friends at the co-op were hopeful he'd find a home in the London theatre. They were delighted that, instead, he was able to make the leap directly from meadow to movies. Within only months of his arrival in Brittania, Viktor was discovered by a BBC producer vacationing with his family in the Lakes district. Mr. Throckmorton's children first drew his attention to the ram who, they told him excitedly, "Was way cool." After observing just one reading of a passage from Shaw's "Arms and the Man," Throckmorton contacted a friend at William Morris who immediately signed Viktor on.
The McLeod brothers were quick to cast the newcomer in the headline role for their new movie. "He has those soft, sad Hungarian eyes that we knew were perfect for our story," they said. "Just looking at him made us want to pull the blankets over our head, drift into unconsciousness, and enjoy many happy hours of deep delta wave sleep ."
On February 13, sheep throughout Hungary will celebrate Viktor's success by leaping over fences from sundown until sunrise February 14. They are hoping their "Leap for Sleep" will provide the usually aloof and sullen Hungarian male population with enough sleep to awaken relaxed and refreshed with romantic notions in time for Valentine's Day.
"We knew he'd eventually be discovered," says Lydia, mother of four of his offspring. "He loved the theatre and would often entertain us with his readings of Shakespeare. His portrayal of Hamlet was spellbinding. Truly rivetting."
When Viktor was sold to a British farmer, his friends at the co-op were hopeful he'd find a home in the London theatre. They were delighted that, instead, he was able to make the leap directly from meadow to movies. Within only months of his arrival in Brittania, Viktor was discovered by a BBC producer vacationing with his family in the Lakes district. Mr. Throckmorton's children first drew his attention to the ram who, they told him excitedly, "Was way cool." After observing just one reading of a passage from Shaw's "Arms and the Man," Throckmorton contacted a friend at William Morris who immediately signed Viktor on.
The McLeod brothers were quick to cast the newcomer in the headline role for their new movie. "He has those soft, sad Hungarian eyes that we knew were perfect for our story," they said. "Just looking at him made us want to pull the blankets over our head, drift into unconsciousness, and enjoy many happy hours of deep delta wave sleep ."
On February 13, sheep throughout Hungary will celebrate Viktor's success by leaping over fences from sundown until sunrise February 14. They are hoping their "Leap for Sleep" will provide the usually aloof and sullen Hungarian male population with enough sleep to awaken relaxed and refreshed with romantic notions in time for Valentine's Day.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Hungarian sheep teach dogs to speak
Hungarian sheep made news this week when it was discovered that they'd taught local sheepdogs to speak.
Csaba Molnar of Eotvos Lorand University and his team of researchers analyzed more than 6000 barks from 14 dogs in six different situations. 43 percent of the time the computers were able to correctly identify the scenario prompting the dog to bark. The results were much higher than those obtained when humans tried to identify the barks.
After that barks had been analyzed and translated by computers, scientists were able to edit tapes in "Hungo-Bark," asking questions about their language and experiences. The team was shocked to be told that the dogs had learned to speak after spending many years in the fields with sheep. The Magyar Merinos, it turns out, are remarkably conversant and have an extensive vocabulary of bleats. Because scientists have yet to translate their bleats, they asked the sheepdogs for information about their tutors.
"The sheep are quite chatty," said Sparky, an elderly sheepdog who emerged as spokesdog for the animals. "But most of their talk is negative...quite depressing, actually. We created a term for them: Budapessimists. Of course, we never told them that. They're brooding...and will sulk for weeks."
When scientists asked why it is that sheep are willing to take orders from the sheepdogs who herd them when, obviously, they have superior intellect, Sparky told the researchers it has to do with their heritage of oppression.
"First the Huns. Then the Germans. Then the Russians. The sheep learned to take orders from whomever invaded the pasture and strutted around with a bit of authority. All we had to do was snap and snarl a bit and they gave in to our demands. The sheep are smart, but their survival instinct is much stronger than their ego."
This is an important development for LonelyHungarianSheep.com because we are now investigating telephony that would allow sheep to court through "datelines." We have approached Magyar Telecom, who is currently in talks with the Ukrainian Telephone company, and have asked them to negotiate a deal in which the organizations would jointly develop an economical cell phone for sheep. They are considering the institution of a subsidy program that would enable farmers to install cell installations to improve signals and ensure that sheep throughout the countryside can make contact with eligible mates through voice communication.
Mr. Pinter, CEO of LonelyHungarianSheep.com has been working feverishly on paperwork to be filed with the Ministry of Communications in order to achieve his dream of connecting sheep throughout the country by telephone as well as online.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Hungarian Sheep Experiment Declared Failure
In a bizarre attempt to introduce more ewes into the Hungarian sheep population, agri-geneticists attempted to combine sheep DNA with that of a prolific vegetable, the cauliflower.
Although the offspring of this combination appears to be thriving, the result is a sheep that yields neither tasty meat nor soft fleece.
"We were very hopeful," says one of the scientists who asked to remain anonymous, "but as you can see the results were less than desireable."
While the failed experiment has resulted in a loss of the government grants much needed to complete the program, the scientist remains optimistic that the work will continue in the private sector.
"We're currently negotiating with an Estonian company that believes it can produce better results combining Magyar Merino DNA with winter wheat," he informed us. "We're also speaking to Germans who have had success with their new glow-in-the-dark cabbages that were created with DNA from fireflies to achieve bioluminescence in their most recent crops."
While the novelty has made glow-in-the-dark cabbages popular amongst German consumers, farmers complain that it's difficult for them to get any sleep.
"I've had to get black-out curtains," one farmer informed us, "because the damned things put on a laser show all night. As soon as the sun goes down, my cabbages start glowing like crazy. Each one puts out about 8000 lumens of light."
8000 lumens is equivalent to a 500-watt lightbulb, which makes it easy to harvest the cabbages at night, but the impact on the surrounding environment and the resultant sleep deprivation of the local population have created sociological problems in rural Germany. Scientists are working on a way to reduce the luminescence to a more comfortable level.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Canadian Content
In compliance with Canada's CRTC legislation,
we offer the following
Canadian Content.
The Ballad of Sheep 13, produced by Kyle McQueen of Vancouver, BC was selected for viewing at Anifest3 in Budapest. It also won a 2005 NickToon award for animation.
Sheep 13
The Return of our Crown Celebration -- January 5, 1978
Today, sheep throughout Hungary celebrated the 30th anniversary of the return of the crown of St. Istvan (named after Istvan, CEO of Lonely Hungarian Sheep). The Crown and other royal regalia were returned to our country in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter of the United States. These jewels were taken to the US after WWII for protection and held at Fort Knox until President Carter returned them for public display in our Parliament building in Budapest.To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Sheep Breeders Association in Hódmezõvásárhely collaborated with us to sponsor a weekend festival where many single, lonely sheep were able to meet.
"It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know rams from throughout the country," said Martina, a lovely young ewe who came from Kaposvar to attend the two-day event. "I met a really nice ram from the Northern Mountains. We exchanged e-mail addresses and I think we'll be planning another get together early in the spring."
Because the event was promoted online, it gathered over 2400 eligible sheep. Unfortunately, only 20% of the attendees were female, but rams who were unable to meet compatible mates enjoyed themselves with other activities -- frolicking in the fields and huddling together for warmth while they shared stories about their farms.
"Didn't matter to me that I didn't meet a woman," said Andras, an older ram from Transdanubia. "I spent my time in dialogue with others who were concerned about inflation and the GDP. I think all of us enjoyed the heated debates about health care, interest rates, the value of the forint and whether Gyucsany should step down. It was a great chance to exchange ideas about politics and the economy, and I also heard some very funny stories about Romanian farmers...which, of course, I can't repeat here."
The St. Stephen Crown event was so successful that LonelyHungarianSheep.blogspot.com is organizing a first-ever music festival for young rams and ewes interested in rock, alternative rock and rock fusion. The EweSonic Flock Rock festival will be similar to the popular Wilsonic Festival in Bratislava.
If you'd like to learn more about EweSonic Flock Rock, send us an e-mail and we'll put you on our mailing list. We're also seeking talented sheep who'd like to perform live at the event. For consideration, please send music samples or videos to our CEO.
The Flock has been invited
to participate in EweSonic Flock Rock.
We will let you know know if
we are able to reach an
agreement with them to perform.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The Girl from Gömörszőlős
I've never tried an online dating service, so I'm not sure what to say about myself. I have long, thick blonde hair and weigh about 100 kg. before shearing. I'm fairly quiet...barely bleating a word until I really get to know a person. I like shelled corn and barley and hay. And I drink 2 to 3 gallons of water a day.
I'm looking for a ram who isn't like the ones on the farm here in Gomorszolos. We have about 200 of them, but only 43 girls so you can imagine what it's like for us. They're very rude and inconsiderate.
I'd be willing to date a ram from any part of Hungary, and if the relationship works out I'd consider leaving my home for greener pastures. I'd like to be someone's one-and-only so if you're not looking for a monogamous relationship I'm probably not the ewe for you.
Please send me a note telling me a bit about yourself. A photo would be nice, but I realize that looks aren't as important as a good sense of humour and a full set of teeth.
Another Message from Istvan
Gentlemen,
Please let me reiterate that this web site is for sheep who want to date sheep. It is not for men who want to date sheep...although it's none of my business and I'm not being judgmental. (I do ask that if you date a sheep in Hungary, you respect the laws of my nation by ensuring that the consenting sheep is of legal age.)
Please do not place postings here if you are a human seeking companionship with livestock. I will remove them immediately. Instead, I suggest you visit Adult Sheep Finder where I am certain you will find what you are looking for.
Again, this site is only for Hungarian sheep who want to date sheep.
Many thanks for your cooperation.
Istvan
Please let me reiterate that this web site is for sheep who want to date sheep. It is not for men who want to date sheep...although it's none of my business and I'm not being judgmental. (I do ask that if you date a sheep in Hungary, you respect the laws of my nation by ensuring that the consenting sheep is of legal age.)
Please do not place postings here if you are a human seeking companionship with livestock. I will remove them immediately. Instead, I suggest you visit Adult Sheep Finder where I am certain you will find what you are looking for.
Again, this site is only for Hungarian sheep who want to date sheep.
Many thanks for your cooperation.
Istvan
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Message from Istvan
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please be reminded that "Lonely Hungarian Sheep" is intended as a meeting place for eligible and interested heterosexual sheep. Its purpose is to introduce ewes to our large population of single rams, to foster healthy relationships and, ultimately, to increase the size and number of flocks in Hungary.
This is not a gay ram hook-up site -- not that I have anything against gays. Actually, I like them. They mean more ewes for the others. But we must have more sheep, and so this site is for lonely straight Hungarian sheep only. Gay sheep are encouraged to visit http://www.wild&wooly.hu/
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Istvan
Please be reminded that "Lonely Hungarian Sheep" is intended as a meeting place for eligible and interested heterosexual sheep. Its purpose is to introduce ewes to our large population of single rams, to foster healthy relationships and, ultimately, to increase the size and number of flocks in Hungary.
This is not a gay ram hook-up site -- not that I have anything against gays. Actually, I like them. They mean more ewes for the others. But we must have more sheep, and so this site is for lonely straight Hungarian sheep only. Gay sheep are encouraged to visit http://www.wild&wooly.hu/
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Istvan
I've got Ramitude!
Horny Hungarian boy seeks discreet homo-Merino for fun in the sun.
Hi, hon. If you're into Broadway musicals, chardonnay, and kid leather I'd like to meet you at Chez Gay. I'm a young, virile strutter whose latest shearing ended up in the Armani collection.
As Oscar would say, "I have the simplest tastes. I'm always satisfied with the best."
Send me an e-mail today and we can be frolicking tomorrow. (Please....no bi-curious mid-lifers. I'll be especially sweet to sugar daddies.)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Menage a quartre?
Three lively old gals seeking one last ram.
We've been there, done that and want to do it again. We're mature, well-off, and don't need a man for anything but love. If you like the scent of lavender, relaxing in the stall, and long talks about the good old days, we're the girls for you. Yes, we're a little fatter and furrier than the giddy young lambs, but we've got experience and we know how to make you happy. You've been a very baaaaaaad boy and you need a good shearing!
Send us an e-mail with your age, weight (grease-bearing) and location. We'll hoof it to your place because we're retired and we love to travel.
Hot Babe Looking for a Ram
I'm Lydia. Ride me.
Hi there, sexy boy. You lookin' for action with a beautiful, long-haired honey who can't wait to get you behind the barn? I'm young, hairy, and ready for action...just what you'd expect from an attractive and well-bred Transdanubian country girl.
I like rams of all ages, sizes, colours and personalities. No goats, though. I'm not that kind of girl.
If you want to be sewing your wild oats when spring comes to Hungary, you'll want to write me right away. I'm hot and hungry for love.
Mad about Ewe!
Shy Merino seeks Sweet Hungarian Boy
Hi, I'm Marisa and I like long walks in the meadow, the taste of fresh clover and the scent of industrial smoke from the Soviet-built factory that defaces the idyllic pastoral setting of my small farm south of Budapest.
I'd like to meet a handsome, gentle ram who is willing to help me overcome my shyness. Colour, age and religion are not an issue. I'm particularly fond of blue eyes.
I'm a single mother, so I need a partner who is willing to be a father as well as a lover.
I know that you'll be cynical. You're Hungarian. But please give love a chance. Send me an e-mail with a photo and I'll respond before my next shearing.
Istvan's Dating Service for Sheep
While the Hungarian Sheepbreeder's Association works on improving their databases and systems to help introduce local ewes to needy rams, Istvan takes quick remedial action by creating an online program destined to forever alter the course of Hungarian sheep shagging. As a public service to his countrymen, sheep farmers and the sheep themselves, he has developed a free online social network of special interest to the desolate and desperate Magyar Merino. "Lonely Hungarian Sheep" offers a safe place where sheep from Hódmezõvásárhely to Kaposvár can connect, get to know one another, and perhaps begin an exciting and reproductive future together.
Breeding Strategy of the Hungarian Sheepbreeders’ Association
Sáfár, László
Hajduk, Péter
Hungarian Sheepbreeders’ Association
Budapest, Hungary
—————————————————————————————————————————————
ABSTRACT
The Hungarian Sheepbreeders’ Association was founded in 1991 and is carrying out the registration process and performance testing of all registered sheep breeds currently used in Hungary.
The most important duty of the Association is to preserve the breeding value of sheep breeds included in the breeding programme, and to continuously improve the genetic traits in the members’ stocks.
Breeds participating in the breeding programme are presented at sheep-breeding exhibitions, shows, sire-ram auctions, while breeding and production results regularly appear in the Association’s publications. In the last years large-scale exhibitions were organized by the Association in Hódmezõvásárhely (in the Great Plain) in the spring and in Kaposvár (Transdanubia) in the fall.
Since ewes in seedstock flocks represent only five to six percent of the total number of ewes in Hungary, the upgrading effect of these can not be directly extended to all commercial flocks. Similar to the practice of countries with developed animal husbandry, an intermediate breeding grade of multiplier flocks had to be introduced. This demand has been clear for quite a long time, but only the state subsidy for breeding ewe-lambs made the realization possible in 1995. During the designation of multiplier flocks, main criteria were uniform breed characteristics, more than 300 ewes and use of qualified sire-rams.
There are 444 multiplier flocks registered at the moment numbering more than 250 000 ewes. Our most important duties regarding these flocks are the introduction of computerized registration and the regular supervision of conditions. Since most multiplier flocks do not belong to the Association, a new way of communication has to be established. One solution for this problem could be the distribution of the Journal of Hungarian Animal Breeders to a wider audience and the use of this paper for informing breeders.
The most important tasks regarding registration and performance testing are the updating of the computer database and the improvement of the registration programme based upon the latest experiences.
We are revising our breeding programme and breeding objectives, and establishing a selection system most suitable for these objectives. During this work the ideas and interests of our members and seedstock-breeders are highly appreciated, while breeding authorities and scientific experts have to be consulted as well.
The main goal of our advisory and information service is that different breeds are raised in regions and under conditions most suitable for them so that the genetic abilities are depleted maximally for economic use. Decades of experience show that mutton breeds perform well in the Transdanubian region and in the Northern Mountains. The location of existing ewes’ milk production areas should be taken into account when introducing dairy breeds in the country.
It is quite a challenge to propagate effective crossing programs against Hungarian traditions. Very few breeders carried out planned utility crossings in the last decades in Hungary. It seems that the crossed ewes capable of higher production are being used not only for production but as replacement breeding ewes too. We have to convince breeders to plan and create crossed commercial ewe stocks from purebred populations every time instead of crossing ewes by chance.
Breeds for crossing are available for different production purposes. The frequency of the use of each breed in different crossing programmes will determine the size of their population in the future.
Many thanks to the Hungarian Sheepbreeders who can be found at: http://www.fao.org/regional/europe/PUB/RTS50/195.doc
Breeding Strategy of the Hungarian Sheepbreeders’ Association
Sáfár, László
Hajduk, Péter
Hungarian Sheepbreeders’ Association
Budapest, Hungary
—————————————————————————————————————————————
ABSTRACT
The Hungarian Sheepbreeders’ Association was founded in 1991 and is carrying out the registration process and performance testing of all registered sheep breeds currently used in Hungary.
The most important duty of the Association is to preserve the breeding value of sheep breeds included in the breeding programme, and to continuously improve the genetic traits in the members’ stocks.
Breeds participating in the breeding programme are presented at sheep-breeding exhibitions, shows, sire-ram auctions, while breeding and production results regularly appear in the Association’s publications. In the last years large-scale exhibitions were organized by the Association in Hódmezõvásárhely (in the Great Plain) in the spring and in Kaposvár (Transdanubia) in the fall.
Since ewes in seedstock flocks represent only five to six percent of the total number of ewes in Hungary, the upgrading effect of these can not be directly extended to all commercial flocks. Similar to the practice of countries with developed animal husbandry, an intermediate breeding grade of multiplier flocks had to be introduced. This demand has been clear for quite a long time, but only the state subsidy for breeding ewe-lambs made the realization possible in 1995. During the designation of multiplier flocks, main criteria were uniform breed characteristics, more than 300 ewes and use of qualified sire-rams.
There are 444 multiplier flocks registered at the moment numbering more than 250 000 ewes. Our most important duties regarding these flocks are the introduction of computerized registration and the regular supervision of conditions. Since most multiplier flocks do not belong to the Association, a new way of communication has to be established. One solution for this problem could be the distribution of the Journal of Hungarian Animal Breeders to a wider audience and the use of this paper for informing breeders.
The most important tasks regarding registration and performance testing are the updating of the computer database and the improvement of the registration programme based upon the latest experiences.
We are revising our breeding programme and breeding objectives, and establishing a selection system most suitable for these objectives. During this work the ideas and interests of our members and seedstock-breeders are highly appreciated, while breeding authorities and scientific experts have to be consulted as well.
The main goal of our advisory and information service is that different breeds are raised in regions and under conditions most suitable for them so that the genetic abilities are depleted maximally for economic use. Decades of experience show that mutton breeds perform well in the Transdanubian region and in the Northern Mountains. The location of existing ewes’ milk production areas should be taken into account when introducing dairy breeds in the country.
It is quite a challenge to propagate effective crossing programs against Hungarian traditions. Very few breeders carried out planned utility crossings in the last decades in Hungary. It seems that the crossed ewes capable of higher production are being used not only for production but as replacement breeding ewes too. We have to convince breeders to plan and create crossed commercial ewe stocks from purebred populations every time instead of crossing ewes by chance.
Breeds for crossing are available for different production purposes. The frequency of the use of each breed in different crossing programmes will determine the size of their population in the future.
Many thanks to the Hungarian Sheepbreeders who can be found at: http://www.fao.org/regional/europe/PUB/RTS50/195.doc
No sex with French sheep
Hungarian authorities determined that the new ewes would be acquired from the French, who are famous for their passionate lovemaking and curious appreciation for the art of mime. However, this plan has had to be abandoned. In an unexpected development, French sheep are now refusing to shag. This "Make Wool, Not Love" protest is directed toward Sarkozy for his attempt to make the French work for a living. The sheep, realizing that their primary job is to reproduce, are on strike and demanding socialized medical intervention in order to breed. (The French sheep don't know how lucky they are that the scientists weren't Greek.) This unfortunate turn of events means that Hungarian sheep cannot depend on the French to satisfy their needs or to provide the unbelievably strong, lung-bursting post-shag cigarette. Plans are now underway to find a suitable strategy for adding foreign ewes to the Hungarian sheep population. (Hungary experienced a similar problem a few hundred years ago and was able to sustain its human population by importing men from throughout Europe.)
Genetic Analysis of Male and Female Fertility After Artificial Insemination in Sheep: Comparison of Single-Trait and Joint Models
I. David*,1, L. Bodin*, G. Lagriffoul, C. Leymarie*, E. Manfredi* and C. Robert-Granié*
* Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) BP 52627, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan Cedex, France Institut de l’élevage—ANIO, BP 42 118, 31 321 Castanet Tolosan Cedex, France
1 Corresponding author: Ingrid.David@toulouse.inra.fr
'//-->
The outcome of an insemination depends on male and female fertility. Nevertheless, few studies have incorporated genetic evaluation of these 2 traits jointly. The aim of this work was to compare genetic parameter estimates of male and female fertility defined as success or failure to artificial insemination (AI), using 8 different models. The first 2 models were simple repeatability models studying fertility of one sex and ignoring any information of the other. Models 3 and 4 took into account the information of the other sex by the inclusion of its random permanent environmental effect, whereas models 5 and 6 included fixed effects of the other sex. Models 7 and 8 were joint genetic evaluation models of male and female fertility ignoring or considering genetic correlation. Data were composed of 147,018 AI of the Manech Tête Rousse breed recorded from 2000 to 2004 corresponding to 79,352 ewes and 963 rams. The pedigree file included 120,989 individuals. Variance component estimates from the different models were quite similar; heritabilities varied from 0.050 to 0.053 for female fertility and were near 0.003 for male fertility. Correlations among estimated breeding values in the same sex using different models were higher than 0.99. The genetic correlation between male and female fertility was not significantly different from 0. These results show that for French dairy sheep with extensive use of AI, estimation of breeding values for male and female fertility might be implemented with quite simple models.
Borrowed with glee from: http://jds.fass.org/cgi/content/abstract/90/8/3917
Genetic Analysis of Male and Female Fertility After Artificial Insemination in Sheep: Comparison of Single-Trait and Joint Models
I. David*,1, L. Bodin*, G. Lagriffoul, C. Leymarie*, E. Manfredi* and C. Robert-Granié*
* Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) BP 52627, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan Cedex, France Institut de l’élevage—ANIO, BP 42 118, 31 321 Castanet Tolosan Cedex, France
1 Corresponding author: Ingrid.David@toulouse.inra.fr
'//-->
The outcome of an insemination depends on male and female fertility. Nevertheless, few studies have incorporated genetic evaluation of these 2 traits jointly. The aim of this work was to compare genetic parameter estimates of male and female fertility defined as success or failure to artificial insemination (AI), using 8 different models. The first 2 models were simple repeatability models studying fertility of one sex and ignoring any information of the other. Models 3 and 4 took into account the information of the other sex by the inclusion of its random permanent environmental effect, whereas models 5 and 6 included fixed effects of the other sex. Models 7 and 8 were joint genetic evaluation models of male and female fertility ignoring or considering genetic correlation. Data were composed of 147,018 AI of the Manech Tête Rousse breed recorded from 2000 to 2004 corresponding to 79,352 ewes and 963 rams. The pedigree file included 120,989 individuals. Variance component estimates from the different models were quite similar; heritabilities varied from 0.050 to 0.053 for female fertility and were near 0.003 for male fertility. Correlations among estimated breeding values in the same sex using different models were higher than 0.99. The genetic correlation between male and female fertility was not significantly different from 0. These results show that for French dairy sheep with extensive use of AI, estimation of breeding values for male and female fertility might be implemented with quite simple models.
Borrowed with glee from: http://jds.fass.org/cgi/content/abstract/90/8/3917
More mutton for Magyar!
It is agreed that Hungary should acquire more sheep, specifically ewes. The introduction of friendlier, more fertile sheep will make the farmers -- and the sheep -- very happy. But where will Hungarian sheep farmers find these new additions to their flocks?
English Title: Chances of sheep breeding in the European Union.
Personal Authors: Toldi, G., Ember, J. Author Affiliation: Faculty of Animal Science, University of Kaposvar, Pf. 16. Guba Sandor ut 40, H-7401 Kaposvar, Hungary. Editors: No editors Document Title: Krmiva, 2004 (Vol. 46) (No. 3) 151-154 Abstract:
Based on the stipulated quota, Hungarian ewe population will be increased to 1 146 000, which is 30% more than in 2001. If the structure of the production remains unchanged, animal feeding will be provided by the 267 441 ha of pasture, 13 544 ha of meadows and 54 748 ha of stubble. More than 75% of the remaining Hungarian pasture can be used for other purposes. Since the quota concerns only the number of ewes, profit can be increased by more intensive technology like three lambing in two years, introduction of more fertile breeds, milking, etc. Flocks should be increased to a rational size, animal feeding can be secured by consolidating land ownership, motivating breeders to integrate in order to bring into line the quality of their products and to get a better price for them. The subsidy which can be provided under the EU is 46% higher than presently available and can help in the development of this sector.Publisher: Hrvatsko Agronomsko Društvo
Happily borrowed from: http://www.cababstractsplus.org/google/abstract.asp?AcNo=20043096965
English Title: Chances of sheep breeding in the European Union.
Personal Authors: Toldi, G., Ember, J. Author Affiliation: Faculty of Animal Science, University of Kaposvar, Pf. 16. Guba Sandor ut 40, H-7401 Kaposvar, Hungary. Editors: No editors Document Title: Krmiva, 2004 (Vol. 46) (No. 3) 151-154 Abstract:
Based on the stipulated quota, Hungarian ewe population will be increased to 1 146 000, which is 30% more than in 2001. If the structure of the production remains unchanged, animal feeding will be provided by the 267 441 ha of pasture, 13 544 ha of meadows and 54 748 ha of stubble. More than 75% of the remaining Hungarian pasture can be used for other purposes. Since the quota concerns only the number of ewes, profit can be increased by more intensive technology like three lambing in two years, introduction of more fertile breeds, milking, etc. Flocks should be increased to a rational size, animal feeding can be secured by consolidating land ownership, motivating breeders to integrate in order to bring into line the quality of their products and to get a better price for them. The subsidy which can be provided under the EU is 46% higher than presently available and can help in the development of this sector.Publisher: Hrvatsko Agronomsko Društvo
Happily borrowed from: http://www.cababstractsplus.org/google/abstract.asp?AcNo=20043096965
Hungarian Sheep aren't shagging
This report created alarm amongst those of us who love to see the hairy little critters dotting our landscape. It was no surprise that we are being out-shagged by the Italians.
April 12, 2006
Report: Hungarian Sheep Not Shagging Enough
By Pestiside Staff
Despite today's onslaught of potentially monumental political news, the English-language pages of state news wire MTI are currently pushing a rather curious story about the plight of Hungary's sheep-farming industry originally from daily broadsheet Népszava. The basic outlines of the piece - the lamb-breeders are baaaaaaing for state subsidies to counter facing painful competition in their traditional overseas markets, primarly Italy - are familiar enough.
Less clear is why one the biggest supposed challenges facing Magyar shepherds is the need to "increase reproduction rates" among their flocks, and why some believe this might be better achieved by increasing the size of local sheep farms and the subsidies they receive. Because if herding animals into bigger groups and giving them lots of subsidies was the key to increasing their reproduction rates, there wouldn't be fewer Hungarian today than there were in 1980.
Borrowed with gratitude from: http://www.pestiside.hu/archives/report_hungarian_sheep_not_shagging_enough002188.php
April 12, 2006
Report: Hungarian Sheep Not Shagging Enough
By Pestiside Staff
Despite today's onslaught of potentially monumental political news, the English-language pages of state news wire MTI are currently pushing a rather curious story about the plight of Hungary's sheep-farming industry originally from daily broadsheet Népszava. The basic outlines of the piece - the lamb-breeders are baaaaaaing for state subsidies to counter facing painful competition in their traditional overseas markets, primarly Italy - are familiar enough.
Less clear is why one the biggest supposed challenges facing Magyar shepherds is the need to "increase reproduction rates" among their flocks, and why some believe this might be better achieved by increasing the size of local sheep farms and the subsidies they receive. Because if herding animals into bigger groups and giving them lots of subsidies was the key to increasing their reproduction rates, there wouldn't be fewer Hungarian today than there were in 1980.
Borrowed with gratitude from: http://www.pestiside.hu/archives/report_hungarian_sheep_not_shagging_enough002188.php
Not enough ewe for Hungarian rams.
The typical Hungarian sheep farmer has only 100 ewes. Agricultural experts report that 300 are required in order to run a profitable operation. The sheep report that 100 ewes are simply not enough to satisfy the rams. While some of the males have turned to one another for comfort and companionship (and the drunken "experimental" liaison that is later regretted and never again mentioned), most of them are feeling the stress of unsatisfied desires. Their balls of wool are no longer soft and fluffy. When they say, "Baaaaaa," they really mean it. Clearly, Hungary needs more female sheep.
Sheep and goat production systems in Hungary
S. Kukovics" and A. Jávor**
*Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition,
Gesztenyés St. l, 2053 Herceghalom, Hungary
**Debrecen University of Agricultural Sciences,
Böszörményi út 138, Debrecen 4032, Hungary
SUMMARY -The production conditions of sheep and goat farming in Hungary have basically changed in the last 6-8 years. There were changes not only in the property structure but also within the production system. The number of small ruminant farmers has significantly increased while the animal stock of Hungary has been broken down into small flocks. This new situation has influenced the use, the breeding, the keeping and the feeding of animals. For this reason and due to the market, the costs and yields have also changed and this might lead to a change in the production systems. In this paper we analyse the main characteristics of production systems and their effects on sheep and goat farming at present in Hungary.
Farm size
The survey of the Sheep Products’ Council shows that by the end of 1996, 6,799 natural and legal entity were dealing with sheep farming in Hungary. 78.8% of the ewe stock was in the property of individual farmers; 21.2% did farming in cooperatives, in the forms of Ltd. companies and other small companies (Table 1). In the case of individual farmers the average number of ewe did not reach 100 (96.6), however, the size of farms varied considerably (1-5,000). In the case of the 107 cooperatives the average number of ewe was 959, at Ltd. companies 1,025, while at small companies there were 670 ewes. The average number referring to the whole stock was only 119 animals; for being profitable 2 or 3 times more animals would be require more than 4,950 farms less than 100 ewe were to be found (Jávor et al., 1997a). Such a small-scales sheep farming is only slightly profitable.
In general, farms of more than 300 ewe are profitable. The data available on the goat stock are not sufficient. The average farm size was of several tens of animina most farms there were 10-15 nanny goats and their offsprings, although there were also farms of several hundreds of animals at the beginning of 1997. However there were not more than 5 farms like that, and were not more than 20 where there were more than 100 goats. The total number of animals was estimated to be between 50,000-70,000. Obtaining a correct number is impossible as the number of goats in sheep farms is unknown at present.
Surveys show that the majority of sheep stock was of Merino (Table 2). The survey performed inthe most important sheep farming county has justified this distribution (Jávore t al., 1996). 95% of this was of Merino. This distribution determined the production system. Merinos are mainly used for meat and wool production, and a small part is used for milk production (in the county survey the crossbred milking stock was not included).
Conclusion
The production systems of sheep and goat farming in Hungary have developed based on the
following factors:
(i) Number of ewes and female goats: The majority of the ewes were in small flocks on private
farms. The profitability, in general, could be reach with at least 300 ewes in production. The average size of nanny goats was much smaller (10-15 heads), most of the goat breeders and keepers were only part-time farmers.
(i¡) The breed used: However, it was known that the production level of Merinos was lower than expected these breed group was dominatinign the national flock. Farms having 100-200 or 500-1,000 heads had better breed distribution than the others. In goats, the native Hungarian breeds were dominating, but several other breeds available on those farms where the production level was higher.
(iii) The size of land for utilization and the available feed: Most of the farms were mixed producers (cropping and breeding). The smaller part of farmers had their own grazing land, the others used rented pastures. As the land size was growing the rates of self production was increasing.
(¡v) Market demand: The dominating product was the live lambs exported to Italian market. This market was demanding mainly light weight lambs and kids, mostly concentrating on three periods, however, the exportation could be continuous during the year. Along with the increasing flock sizerates of frequent and divided lambing systems were increased and the percentage of annual lambing system was reduced.
(v) Income and expenses: The production costs per ewe per year were increasing along with the flock size. Part of them were understandable (e.g., the small farms did not pay any tax) the others not. The fodder cost was the dominating one, but the so called other cost had an increasing ratio. The meat was the dominating resource of income, but the profitability was modified by the other traits óf production systems.
Borrowed with thanks from: http://ressources.ciheam.org/om/pdf/a38/99600164.pdf
Sheep and goat production systems in Hungary
S. Kukovics" and A. Jávor**
*Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition,
Gesztenyés St. l, 2053 Herceghalom, Hungary
**Debrecen University of Agricultural Sciences,
Böszörményi út 138, Debrecen 4032, Hungary
SUMMARY -The production conditions of sheep and goat farming in Hungary have basically changed in the last 6-8 years. There were changes not only in the property structure but also within the production system. The number of small ruminant farmers has significantly increased while the animal stock of Hungary has been broken down into small flocks. This new situation has influenced the use, the breeding, the keeping and the feeding of animals. For this reason and due to the market, the costs and yields have also changed and this might lead to a change in the production systems. In this paper we analyse the main characteristics of production systems and their effects on sheep and goat farming at present in Hungary.
Farm size
The survey of the Sheep Products’ Council shows that by the end of 1996, 6,799 natural and legal entity were dealing with sheep farming in Hungary. 78.8% of the ewe stock was in the property of individual farmers; 21.2% did farming in cooperatives, in the forms of Ltd. companies and other small companies (Table 1). In the case of individual farmers the average number of ewe did not reach 100 (96.6), however, the size of farms varied considerably (1-5,000). In the case of the 107 cooperatives the average number of ewe was 959, at Ltd. companies 1,025, while at small companies there were 670 ewes. The average number referring to the whole stock was only 119 animals; for being profitable 2 or 3 times more animals would be require more than 4,950 farms less than 100 ewe were to be found (Jávor et al., 1997a). Such a small-scales sheep farming is only slightly profitable.
In general, farms of more than 300 ewe are profitable. The data available on the goat stock are not sufficient. The average farm size was of several tens of animina most farms there were 10-15 nanny goats and their offsprings, although there were also farms of several hundreds of animals at the beginning of 1997. However there were not more than 5 farms like that, and were not more than 20 where there were more than 100 goats. The total number of animals was estimated to be between 50,000-70,000. Obtaining a correct number is impossible as the number of goats in sheep farms is unknown at present.
Surveys show that the majority of sheep stock was of Merino (Table 2). The survey performed inthe most important sheep farming county has justified this distribution (Jávore t al., 1996). 95% of this was of Merino. This distribution determined the production system. Merinos are mainly used for meat and wool production, and a small part is used for milk production (in the county survey the crossbred milking stock was not included).
Conclusion
The production systems of sheep and goat farming in Hungary have developed based on the
following factors:
(i) Number of ewes and female goats: The majority of the ewes were in small flocks on private
farms. The profitability, in general, could be reach with at least 300 ewes in production. The average size of nanny goats was much smaller (10-15 heads), most of the goat breeders and keepers were only part-time farmers.
(i¡) The breed used: However, it was known that the production level of Merinos was lower than expected these breed group was dominatinign the national flock. Farms having 100-200 or 500-1,000 heads had better breed distribution than the others. In goats, the native Hungarian breeds were dominating, but several other breeds available on those farms where the production level was higher.
(iii) The size of land for utilization and the available feed: Most of the farms were mixed producers (cropping and breeding). The smaller part of farmers had their own grazing land, the others used rented pastures. As the land size was growing the rates of self production was increasing.
(¡v) Market demand: The dominating product was the live lambs exported to Italian market. This market was demanding mainly light weight lambs and kids, mostly concentrating on three periods, however, the exportation could be continuous during the year. Along with the increasing flock sizerates of frequent and divided lambing systems were increased and the percentage of annual lambing system was reduced.
(v) Income and expenses: The production costs per ewe per year were increasing along with the flock size. Part of them were understandable (e.g., the small farms did not pay any tax) the others not. The fodder cost was the dominating one, but the so called other cost had an increasing ratio. The meat was the dominating resource of income, but the profitability was modified by the other traits óf production systems.
Borrowed with thanks from: http://ressources.ciheam.org/om/pdf/a38/99600164.pdf
The Hungarian Merino is unique.
Hungarian sheep are the Merino breed. While Australian and Scottish Merino breed like rabbits, the Hungarian Merino possesses specific genetic traits that inhibit reproduction. These include: cynicism and suspicion; a profound and prohibitive sense of personal privacy; an unreasonable work schedule that forces them to miss out on New Year's Eve parties and other opportunities for reproduction.
Genetic parameters of production and fertility traits in Hungarian Merino sheep
By I. Nagy1 1 Department of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary,
J. S . ölkner2 2 Department of Livestock Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna, Austria and , I. Komlósi1 1 Department of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary, the and
L. Sáfár3 3 Hungarian Sheep Breeders’ Association, Budapest, Hungary
1 Department of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary
2 Department of Livestock Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna, Austria
3 Hungarian Sheep Breeders’ Association, Budapest, Hungary
Hungary has a long-standing tradition in Merino breeding and improvement. During the past decades several attempts have been made to introduce a number of other sheep breeds. Although this effort was not in vain the majority of the sheep population is still the Hungarian Merino breed. The adaptability, endurance and excellent wool-producing ability of this breed is first rate and is worth preserving (Veress et al. 1997).
The profitability of a sheep production system is determined by both fertility and production traits. Reproduction performance is usually defined as litter weight per dam per year. Progress can be achieved through various ways. One of them is frequent lambing which also has the advantage that lamb production becomes more consistent throughout the year. Another possibility is producing larger litter sizes (LS), and yet a another opportunity for increased production is having lambs with larger weights (WT). Simultaneous enhancement can also be achieved if there is no antagonism between these traits. From these several fertility traits LS from the first to the fifth parity was chosen for analysis as LS is one of the most important traits concerning reproduction performance. Of the production traits, WT measured at various ages, greasy fleece weight (GFW) from the first five shearings, staple length (SL) and fibre diameter (FD) at the age of 1 year were taken into the analysis.
According to other studies there are several factors influencing the above mentioned traits, namely age, season of previous lambing (PLS), type of birth (TOB), and sex. In general, LS increased with advancing age (Long et al. 1989; Bunge et al. 1990; A p Dewi et al. 1996). For GFW the peak of production was achieved in a relatively early age of 3 years, reported by Veress (1969) and by Turner and Young (1969). The effect of PLS on LS was that smaller litters were observed with previous lambing seasons of summer and autumn (Long et al. 1989). TOB and sex effect on WT have been investigated by several authors (Turner and Young 1969, p. 46, 51.; Shrestha and Heaney 1985; Mavrogenis 1988; B unge et al. 1990; Jurado et al. 1994; Veress et al. 1995; Shrestha et al. 1996). Single-born lambs are heavier than multiples although this difference decreases with age. All authors also agree that male lambs are heavier than females. TOB and sex effect on GFW were reported by Turner and Young (1969). Turner and Y oung labelled the TOB effect as a ‘maternal handicap’ as the effect is noticeable even in maturity but decreasing by age. Turner and Young (1969) also observed that the WT and GFW of male animals exceeds that of the females, but, unlike with the previous effect, the difference increases with age. There was a negligible difference between sexes in SL and FD.
Studying the results of numerous authors, estimates of the genetic parameters of LS, WT, GFW, SL, and FD were found to be generally consistent. Heritabilities of LS ranged from 0.05 to 0.08 (A l-S horepy and N otter 1996; A p D ewi et al. 1996; for litter size at first parity only). A p D ewi et al. (1996) found very high (>0.9) genetic correlations between the first and adult litter size. Heritabilities estimated for WT were higher than those of the fertility traits and ranged in the interval of 0.05–0.47 (Shrestha and Heaney 1985; ong et al. 1989; Bunge et al. 1990; Kumar and Reheja 1993; Jurado et al. 1994; A l-S horepy and Notter 1996). Genetic correlations between yearling and adult WT were high (Jurado et al. 1994; 0.85; A l-Shorepy and Notter 1996; 0.85–1.0). GFW heritabilities reported by Blair et al. (1985); T urner and Young (1969) were about 0.2 thus also exceeding those of the fertility traits. Regarding the genetic parameters of SL & FD, Notter and Hough (1997); Morris et al. (1996) reported that the heritability of SL and FD was higher than that of GFW (026–0.34; 0.47–0.58). Genetic correlations among production traits were mainly low (Morris et al. 1996; and Turner and Young 1969).
The objectives of this paper were to determine whether the characteristics of the Hungarian Merino sheep population correspond with the features given in the literature review. Thus the objectives were to obtain the factors influencing the traits examined and to estimate genetic parameters of LS, WT, GFW, SL, and FD, respectively.
Article from: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1439-0388.1999.00204.x
Genetic parameters of production and fertility traits in Hungarian Merino sheep
By I. Nagy1 1 Department of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary,
J. S . ölkner2 2 Department of Livestock Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna, Austria and , I. Komlósi1 1 Department of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary, the and
L. Sáfár3 3 Hungarian Sheep Breeders’ Association, Budapest, Hungary
1 Department of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary
2 Department of Livestock Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna, Austria
3 Hungarian Sheep Breeders’ Association, Budapest, Hungary
Hungary has a long-standing tradition in Merino breeding and improvement. During the past decades several attempts have been made to introduce a number of other sheep breeds. Although this effort was not in vain the majority of the sheep population is still the Hungarian Merino breed. The adaptability, endurance and excellent wool-producing ability of this breed is first rate and is worth preserving (Veress et al. 1997).
The profitability of a sheep production system is determined by both fertility and production traits. Reproduction performance is usually defined as litter weight per dam per year. Progress can be achieved through various ways. One of them is frequent lambing which also has the advantage that lamb production becomes more consistent throughout the year. Another possibility is producing larger litter sizes (LS), and yet a another opportunity for increased production is having lambs with larger weights (WT). Simultaneous enhancement can also be achieved if there is no antagonism between these traits. From these several fertility traits LS from the first to the fifth parity was chosen for analysis as LS is one of the most important traits concerning reproduction performance. Of the production traits, WT measured at various ages, greasy fleece weight (GFW) from the first five shearings, staple length (SL) and fibre diameter (FD) at the age of 1 year were taken into the analysis.
According to other studies there are several factors influencing the above mentioned traits, namely age, season of previous lambing (PLS), type of birth (TOB), and sex. In general, LS increased with advancing age (Long et al. 1989; Bunge et al. 1990; A p Dewi et al. 1996). For GFW the peak of production was achieved in a relatively early age of 3 years, reported by Veress (1969) and by Turner and Young (1969). The effect of PLS on LS was that smaller litters were observed with previous lambing seasons of summer and autumn (Long et al. 1989). TOB and sex effect on WT have been investigated by several authors (Turner and Young 1969, p. 46, 51.; Shrestha and Heaney 1985; Mavrogenis 1988; B unge et al. 1990; Jurado et al. 1994; Veress et al. 1995; Shrestha et al. 1996). Single-born lambs are heavier than multiples although this difference decreases with age. All authors also agree that male lambs are heavier than females. TOB and sex effect on GFW were reported by Turner and Young (1969). Turner and Y oung labelled the TOB effect as a ‘maternal handicap’ as the effect is noticeable even in maturity but decreasing by age. Turner and Young (1969) also observed that the WT and GFW of male animals exceeds that of the females, but, unlike with the previous effect, the difference increases with age. There was a negligible difference between sexes in SL and FD.
Studying the results of numerous authors, estimates of the genetic parameters of LS, WT, GFW, SL, and FD were found to be generally consistent. Heritabilities of LS ranged from 0.05 to 0.08 (A l-S horepy and N otter 1996; A p D ewi et al. 1996; for litter size at first parity only). A p D ewi et al. (1996) found very high (>0.9) genetic correlations between the first and adult litter size. Heritabilities estimated for WT were higher than those of the fertility traits and ranged in the interval of 0.05–0.47 (Shrestha and Heaney 1985; ong et al. 1989; Bunge et al. 1990; Kumar and Reheja 1993; Jurado et al. 1994; A l-S horepy and Notter 1996). Genetic correlations between yearling and adult WT were high (Jurado et al. 1994; 0.85; A l-Shorepy and Notter 1996; 0.85–1.0). GFW heritabilities reported by Blair et al. (1985); T urner and Young (1969) were about 0.2 thus also exceeding those of the fertility traits. Regarding the genetic parameters of SL & FD, Notter and Hough (1997); Morris et al. (1996) reported that the heritability of SL and FD was higher than that of GFW (026–0.34; 0.47–0.58). Genetic correlations among production traits were mainly low (Morris et al. 1996; and Turner and Young 1969).
The objectives of this paper were to determine whether the characteristics of the Hungarian Merino sheep population correspond with the features given in the literature review. Thus the objectives were to obtain the factors influencing the traits examined and to estimate genetic parameters of LS, WT, GFW, SL, and FD, respectively.
Article from: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1439-0388.1999.00204.x
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