SUMMARY
The Awassi is the main indigenous breed of sheep in Iraq. The breed is raised
primarily for lamb and mutton production. For genetic improvement in lamb
breeding enterprises, the most important traits will include those associated with
reproduction and wool production of the ewe, and the survival, growth and carcass
characteristics of the lamb.
This paper reviews the available work encountering the genetic and phenotypic
parameters (heritability, repeatability, genetic and phenotypic correlations) for
various economic traits required for developing and formulating breeding plans to
improve Awassi sheep in Iraq.