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Aim of the current comparative study was to evaluate the production and reproduction efficiency in indigenous Turcana and endangered Ratca sheep breeds. Milk yield for the two breeds was on average 68.23±2.33 kg for Ratca ewes and 76.81±2.99 kg in Turcana, respectively, differences between two breeds were significant (p≤0.01). Conception rates were of 97.7±0.87% in Ratca and of 94.8±0.65% in Turcana ewes, respectively, differences were significant between the two flocks (p≤0.05), with the Ratca ewes achieving better fertility rates, compared to their counterparts, the Turcana breed. For prolificacy, the Turcana ewes outperformed significantly (p≤0.01) the Ratca, with an average litter size of 124.2±1.86% and 110.1±1.44%, respectively. Lambs survival and adult ewe culling rates were not affected by the breed factor (p>0.05). Adult ewes body weight when put to ram was significantly (p≤0.05) influenced by the breed, with Turcana ewes having on average 53.8±2.89 kg, compared to 48.0±3.22 kg for the Ratca ewes. The average farm yearly incomes were estimated to be of 150.32 EUR for Ratca ewe-unit and of 144.97 EUR for the Turcana ewe-unit. Although the Turcana outperformed the Ratca ewes, the annual revenue was higher for the Ratca, due to the state conservation subsidy for rare and endangered breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research was to determine the comparative content offat, protein, lactose, total non-fat substances (SNF) and total dry matter (TDM) in raw sheep milk during the ascending phase and the plateau period of lactation. Based on the primary data, correlations were calculated in order to identify a single component form milk, which to be correlated closely with the main components of which the quality and yield ofproducts processed from sheep's milk depends on. The study was performed on 54 ewes form the Turcana breed, reared in Timis and Caras-Severin counties. During the plateau phase of lactation the data registered the highest values, and the differences as compared to the ascending phase of lactation were significant (p<0.05) for all milk components, except the SNF. The correlations were significant and positive between SNF and fat and protein contents for each of the two phases, and per entire studied period (r = +0.974 and r=+0.770, respectively). SNF was negatively correlated only with fat content, while lactose was with all components except SNF, with which it was correlated weakly and positive. Based on the current results we recommend selection of dairy sheep for SNF or fat content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]