The study was conducted at Sirinka Agriculture Research Center to assess the structural indices of local, local x pure Dorper50% cross breeds and pure Dorper sheep. The study was performed based on body linear measurements and three hundred three (303) sheep were selected for this study. From the total samples81, 128 and 94 sheep were local, 50% crosses and pure Dorper, respectively. The animals were grouped into three age groups based on pairs of Permanente incisor as (0 pairs of permanent incisor, 1pairs of permanent incisor, and ≥2 pairs of permanent incisor). General linear model of SAS 2008 was used for statistical analysis of the collected data. Ten structural indices were calculated for the three sheep populations separately. The average values of structural indices were compared within a breed while the correlation between structural indices was studied. Sex, age and sex by age interaction effect were the fixed effects considered for the analysis. Body index, weight index, thoracic development, body ration, height slop, length index, width slop, depth index, balance and pelvic index were used in the standard formula to calculate structural indices. Weight index (24.82kg, 26.61kg), height slop (2.95cm, 1.71cm), width slop (0.85cm, 0.93cm), body index (78.57cm, 88.42cm), thoracic development (1.14cm, 1.28cm) and pelvic index (77.61cm, 85.08cm)were the total mean value of, of local and crossbred sheep, respectively. As a conclusion, pure Dorper and crossbred sheep exhibit meat type traits. It was suggested to observe the performances of pure Dorper and crossbreds in farmers’ management condition.

Keywords: Crossbred, Dorper sheep, Phenotype, Structural indices