Abstract
A Djallonké ram selection programme based on a CAT-K selection nucleus comprising 750 ewes and 100 rams from 10 families or lines is presented. This nucleus should integrate the best improved sheep farms of mixed farmers to become a selection base. The selection scheme comprises a preselection phase based on "weaning weight" adjusted by a 90-day standard weight. This is in turn adjusted by the birth type using a correction coefficient. This coefficient is the ratio between the weight at average standard age of the reference class, i.e. single lambs born from multiparous mothers, and the weight at average standard age of the class of twin lambs. The second phase of selection took place at 12 months of age and was based on the threshold weights (W>30, W>25 and W>20 kg) used to divide selected rams into 1st, 2nd and 3rd categories. Animals infected with trypanosomes with reduced PCV (<20) were excluded from the selection. A survey aimed at identifying the best improved sheep farms, especially those using the general livestock improvement programme being recommended, was carried out in order to guarantee the survival of both the borrowed rams and their offspring.
