Reproductive performance of the Hamra (Deghma) sheep conserved as a purebred nucleus in the semi-arid region of western Algeria

Aziza Ait Lhadi, Hakim Ould Ouelhadj, Mustapha Bachir Koudad, Mohamed Medhkour, Nouna Zoui, Mhamed Khelifa and Bouziane Ben Atellah

Improvement and Development of Animal Productions Research Unit, Technical Institute of Breeding (ITELV), Ain El Hadjar, Saida, Algeria.
aziza.aitlhadi@edu.ensa.dz

Abstract

The reproductive performance of the Hamra (Deghma) sheep breed, maintained as a purebred nucleus at the Technical Institute of Breeding (ITELV), Saïda, Algeria, was evaluated over 16 breeding campaigns from 2010 to 2023. The study included 1 089 ewes and 2 948 lambing records. The flock was managed under a semi-intensive system, combining pasture and supplementary feeding, and natural mating was synchronized using the ram effect.

Key reproductive parameters were assessed, including fertility (82.54 ± 4.44%), fecundity (93.13 ± 7.27%), prolificacy (112.94 ± 8.39%), sex ratio at birth (♂: 51.06 ± 4.40; ♀: 48.94 ± 4.40%), and neonatal mortality (6.05 ± 3.07%). Fertility and fecundity showed interannual fluctuations, while prolificacy was generally high, with litter sizes reaching up to 1.31 lambs per ewe. Male lambs were slightly more frequent than females, and neonatal mortality was mainly influenced by maternal nutrition around lambing.

The results indicate that the Hamra breed exhibits good to very good reproductive performance under semi-intensive management in its native semi-arid environment. Its non-seasonal reproduction, high prolificacy without hormonal treatment, and strong maternal capacity make it a valuable genetic resource for conservation and breed improvement programs. Optimized feeding strategies during mating periods could further enhance reproductive outcomes.

Keywords: fertility, fecundity, Hamra sheep, neonatal mortality, prolificacy

Introduction

Sheep farming plays a strategic role in Algerian agriculture, particularly in the steppe and high plateau regions, where it provides an essential source of animal protein and supports national food security. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the national sheep population exceeds 18.5 million head across all breeds (MADR, 2022). Despite its importance, the sector faces major challenges, including degradation of grazing resources, the impacts of climate change, and increasing threats to the conservation of local breeds due to genetic erosion.

In this context, the Algerian Hamra sheep, also known as Deghma, is emblematic of the steppes and high plateaus of western Algeria and has attracted particular interest. The breed is distinguished by its hardiness, remarkable adaptability to harsh environmental conditions, and high-quality products, especially its meat. Historically valued for its morphological and zootechnical performance, the Hamra sheep was among the main national breeds, with a population estimated at over 3.2 million head in the early 1990s (Chellig, 1992). However, recent data indicate a dramatic decline in the Hamra population, from 55,800 head in 2004 to only 2,775 head in 2016 (FAO DAD-IS, 2021). This sharp decrease now places the Hamra breed among endangered sheep breeds, threatening both its genetic diversity and its socio-economic and ecological roles within steppe production systems. In response to this alarming situation, the Technical Institute of Breeding (ITELV), under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, has implemented a conservation program since 2005 aimed at multiplication, purification, and genetic preservation of the Hamra breed. The program is conducted at the Demonstration and Seed Production Farm in Saida, located in the historical cradle of the breed, where the only purebred Hamra nucleus is currently maintained in Algeria. This nucleus represents a strategic genetic reservoir for the preservation of this endangered resource.

Reproductive performance is a key factor in flock profitability and sustainability, as only by successfully reproducing their stock can farmers ensure flock renewal and maintain productivity. However, few studies have specifically addressed the reproductive traits of the Hamra breed (Chellig, 1992; Benyoucef et al 1995; IANOR, 2007; Belabdi, 2020; Yerou et al 2021; Ould Ouelhadj et al 2023; Meddah et al 2024). The present study aims to describe and analyse the evolution of reproductive performance in the purebred Hamra nucleus maintained at the ITELV experimental farm in Saida over a fourteen-year period (2010 –2023).

Materials and methods

Study area and husbandry system

This study was carried out on the purebred nucleus of the Hamra "Deghma" sheep maintained at the Demonstration and Seed Production Farm of the Technical Institute of Breeding (ITELV), located in Ain El Hadjar in the province of Saïda, in the high plateaus region of western Algeria (Map 1). The site is situated approximately 11 km southwest of the city of Saïda, at an average elevation of about 1,015 m above sea level.

The farm is located in a semi-arid bioclimatic zone characterized by hot and dry summers and cold winters. The study area lies between the 400 and 500 mm annual rainfall isohyets, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 437 mm. The mean annual temperature is around 15 °C, ranging from about –2 °C in January to 38 °C in August.

The region is also characterized by several climatic constraints, including irregular rainfall, late frosts that may occur until the end of February with temperatures occasionally dropping to around –5 °C, and early spring drought conditions. In addition, hot sirocco winds may occur from mid-April onwards, further increasing environmental stress. These climatic conditions illustrate the harsh environmental context of the region, to which the Hamra (Deghma) breed is particularly well adapted.

The sheep were managed under a semi-intensive system, combining grazing with supplemental feeding in the sheepfold, particularly during the breeding and lambing periods.

Map 1. Location of the study area in Algeria showing the province of Saïda in the western High Plateaus region

Description of the Hamra breed

The Hamra breed, also known as Deghma, owes its name to the characteristic skin color visible in areas without wool, such as the head, neck, and limbs. Hamra means red or mahogany in Arabic. As for the term Deghma, discussions with field professionals suggest two possible origins Berber or Arabic. In Berber, the word Yeghma refers to the progressive darkening of henna color, which becomes darker over time. In Arabic, the adjective Adgham describes a dark shade tending toward black. Representative photographs of Hamra (Deghma) sheep, including breeding animals and the flock under the production system during different seasons, are presented in Photo 1.

Photo 1. Representative photographs of the Hamra (Deghma) sheep breed raised at the ITELV experimental farm in Ain El Hadjar, Saïda province, western Algeria

Data collection

The study analysed records from 2 948 lambings, originating from 1 089 reproductive Hamra (Deghma) ewes that participated in one or more breeding seasons over a fourteen-year period (2010–2023).

Reproductive management

Reproduction was carried out through directed natural mating using the ram effect as a synchronization technique. Mating was natural, and all lambings were systematically recorded. Reproductive ewes were monitored throughout the entire gestation period, allowing accurate estimation of lambing periods.

All reproductive events, including mating periods, the number of sires and ewes, lambing dates, identification of lambs and their dams, as well as the weights of lambs at birth and the weights of ewes at lambing, were recorded in a lambing register and in an annual database, thus facilitating the monitoring of reproductive performance and the evaluation of the different reproductive parameters.

Reproductive performance

Four key parameters were calculated to evaluate the reproductive performance of the Hamra (Deghma) sheep flock:

• Fertility rate (%): It represents the percentage of ewes that actually lambed relative to the number of ewes exposed to mating.

• Fecundity rate (%): It measures the ratio between the total number of lambs born (male and female) and the number of ewes exposed to mating.

• Prolificacy rate (%): It indicates the average number of lambs born per ewe that lambed.

• Neonatal mortality rate (%): It indicates the average number of lambs that died immediately after birth (0–3 days).

Statistical analysis

Reproductive data analysis was performed using R software (version 4.5.0) (R Core Team, 2024), with the Rcmdr package (version 2.9-5) (Fox and Bouchet-Valat, 2024) for descriptive analysis and the calculation of measures of central tendency and dispersion of the different parameters studied. Graphs were generated using Microsoft Excel 2021.

Results and discussion

Number of animals exposed to mating (2010–2023)

The distribution of Hamra ewes and rams involved in reproduction over the fourteen-year study period is presented in Figure (1).

Figure 1. Annual evolution of the number of reproductive ewes and rams of the Hamra (Deghma) breed from 2010 to 2023 at ITELV, Saida

Over the fourteen-year study period, the numbers of reproductive ewes and rams showed notable fluctuations. Overall, an increasing trend was observed, particularly for ewes, which rose from 128 in 2010 to a peak of 315 in 2019, before stabilizing at approximately 200–240 in the following years. Similarly, the number of rams also increased, reaching a maximum of 40 in 2019. The rise in the number of reproductive rams was associated with the optimization of the ram-to-ewe ratio, improving flock management efficiency.

Reproductive performance of the Hamra (Deghma) sheep breed at ITELV, Saïda (2010–2023)

The following table (1) presents the main reproductive parameters of the purebred Hamra (Deghma) sheep nucleus maintained at ITELV, Saïda, over a fourteen-year period from 2010 to 2023. These data, collected from 16 breeding campaigns, describe the average durations of mating and lambing periods, gestation length, and provide a comprehensive overview of reproductive performance, including fertility, fecundity, prolificacy, sex ratios, and neonatal mortality.

Breeding seasons and durations of mating and lambing periods (2010–2023)

Since 2010, reproduction management of the Hamra (Deghma) flock at ITELV, Saïda, has been organized annually, with careful planning aimed at concentrating lambings within defined periods.

A total of 16 breeding campaigns were recorded over the fourteen-year study period, with one mating season per year, except in 2011 and 2019, when two mating periods were conducted each year. The majority of mating campaigns were scheduled in spring (75%), mainly during April and May, resulting in clustered lambings in autumn (September – October), a period considered favorable for lamb growth due to moderate climatic conditions and good feed availability.

In 2011 and 2019, additional “catch-up” mating periods were carried out in autumn (late October to early December), producing lambing in the following spring (March and April of 2012 and 2020, respectively). More recently, mating seasons were organized in summer (June – July in 2022 and July – August in 2023), leading to lambing in late autumn and winter.

As previously mentioned, the ram effect was used to synchronize lambing. Rams were introduced to the ewes at the beginning of the mating period for an average duration of 34.88 days (Table 1), and removed at the end of the mating period. On average, lambing occurred 152.13 days (5.07 months) after mating and lasted an average of 35.81 days, confirming good synchronization of ewe reproductive cycles and the overall success of the breeding program.

Fertility of Hamra ewes (2010–2023)

Fertility corresponds to the percentage of ewes that actually lambed among those exposed to mating during a breeding campaign. Over the period 2010–2023, the average fertility rate of Hamra ewes at ITELV, Saïda, was 82.54%, ranging from 75.5% to 95%, with a coefficient of variation of 5.3% (Table 1).

Analysis of annual fertility trends revealed marked inter-annual variability (Figure 2). Certain campaigns, including the spring and autumn mating periods of 2011, the springs of 2013, 2016, and 2021, and the summer mating period of 2022, recorded particularly high fertility rates compared to the overall average, with 95%, 84.1%, 84%, 83%, and 86.8%, respectively. In contrast, a notable decrease was observed during the spring mating period of 2017, with a fertility rate of 75.5%.

Figure 2. Annual evolution of fertility in Hamra (Deghma) ewes at ITELV, Saïda, from 2010 to 2023

The fertility recorded in Hamra ewes in our study can be considered good to very good according to the criteria of Provost et al. (1980), who reported that an average fertility of 70–80% after natural mating can be regarded as normal to good in autumn and as good to very good in spring. The values observed in our study are consistent with those reported by other authors for the same breed (IANOR, 2007a; Belabdi, 2020; Yerou et al 2021; Ould Ouelhadj et al 2023; Meddah et al 2024), and are comparable to those recorded by El Bouyahyaoui (2017) in the Tazegzawt breed, by Mefti Korteby et al. (2017) in the Ouled Djellal breed, and by Boujenane (2002) in the D’Man × Sardi crossbreed in Morocco. Fertility in our study was higher than that reported by Adaouri et al. (2017) in the F1 cross Ouled Djellal × D’Man and by Adaouri et al. (2023) in the Rembi breed. However, it remained lower than the fertility rates recorded by Dekhili (2014) in Ouled Djellal, by Badrane (2019) and Meddah et al. (2024) in Rembi, by Boubekeur et al. (2018) and Boubekeur et al. (2019) in D’Man, and by Sebkhi et al. (2024) in the G3 Ouled Djellal × D’Man cross in Algerian sheep breeds. It is also lower than the fertility rates reported by Chikhi and Boujenane (2003a) in the Boujaâd and Chikhi and Boujenane (2003b) in the Sardi breeds, and by El Fadili (2008) in the Beni Guil breed in Morocco.

Fecundity of Hamra ewes (2010–2023)

Fecundity was calculated as the ratio between the total number of lambs born (male and female) and the number of ewes exposed to mating. During the study period (2010–2023), the average fecundity rate of Hamra ewes at ITELV, Saïda, was 93.13%, ranging from 81.51% to 110.34%, with a coefficient of variation of 7.8% (Table 1).

The annual evolution of fecundity (Figure 3) shows that this parameter varied between campaigns. Certain mating campaigns recorded higher fecundity rates than the overall mean, including the spring campaigns of 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2020, as well as the autumn 2011 and summer 2022 campaigns, with fecundity rates of 102%, 110.3%, 97.9%, 95.8%, 96.4%, 97.5%, and 95.6%, respectively. Conversely, similar to fertility, a notable decrease in fecundity was observed during the spring 2017 mating campaign, with a rate of 81.5%.

Figure 3. Annual evolution of fecundity in Hamra (Deghma) ewes at ITELV, Saïda, from 2010 to 2023

The average fecundity observed in our study is slightly higher than that reported by Chellig (1992) for the same breed and exceeds the values recorded by Adaouri et al. (2017) in the F1 cross Ouled Djellal × D’Man and by Adaouri et al. (2023) in the Rembi breed. However, it remains lower than the fecundity rates reported by IANOR (2007a), Belabdi (2020), Ould Ouelhadj et al. (2023), and Meddah et al. (2024) for Hamra, as well as the values reported by El Bouyahyaoui (2017) in the Tazegzawt breed, by Mefti Korteby et al. (2017) in Ouled Djellal, by Badrane (2019) and Meddah et al. (2024) in Rembi, and by Sebkhi et al. (2024) in the G3 Ouled Djellal × D’Man cross.

Prolificacy of Hamra ewes (2010–2023)

Prolificacy was calculated as the ratio between the total number of live lambs born and the number of ewes that lambed. This parameter is an essential measure of the flock’s numerical productivity. During the study period, the average prolificacy of Hamra ewes at ITELV, Saïda, was 112.94%, corresponding to an average litter size at birth of 1.12 lambs per ewe, ranging from 102.63% for the autumn 2011 mating campaign to 131.28% for the spring 2013 campaign, with a coefficient of variation of 7.4% (Table 1).

The evolution of prolificacy over the study period (Figure 4) shows fluctuations according to the mating campaign. The highest prolificacy rates were recorded during the spring campaigns of 2013, 2012, and 2014, with 131%, 127%, and 125%, respectively. Most other campaigns were close to the overall mean, except for the autumn campaigns of 2011 and 2019, which showed relatively low prolificacy rates (103% and 104%, respectively), indicating a low frequency of twin births during these periods.

Figure 4. Annual evolution of prolificacy in Hamra (Deghma) ewes at ITELV, Saïda, from 2010 to 2023

Our results show that the average prolificacy of Hamra ewes is similar to those reported by other authors for the same breed (Chellig, 1992; IANOR, 2007a; Belabdi, 2020; Ould Ouelhadj et al 2023; Meddah et al 2024), and is comparable to the prolificacy reported in the Rembi breed (IANOR, 2013; Badrane, 2019; Adaouri et al 2023). It is slightly higher than the values reported by IANOR (2007b) and Zidane et al. (2021) for the Ouled Djellal breed and by El Fadili (2008) for the Beni Guil breed in Morocco.

However, the prolificacy of Hamra ewes remains lower than that of the D’Man breed reared in Algeria (Boubekeur et al 2018; Boubekeur et al 2019) and in Morocco (Kerfal et al 2005), as well as lower than the values reported by El Bouyahyaoui (2017) for the Tazegzawt breed, by Mefti Korteby et al. (2017) for Ouled Djellal, and by Boujenane (2002) for the D’Man × Sardi cross in Morocco.

Sex ratio at birth of Hamra lambs (2010–2023)

The sex ratio at birth provides insight into the frequency of male and female lambs during each breeding campaign. In our study, the average birth rates of male and female lambs of the Hamra (Deghma) breed over the 2010–2023 period were nearly balanced, with a slight predominance of males. Male lambs accounted for 51.06%, ranging from 45.19% to 58.27%, while female lambs represented 48.94%, ranging from 41.73% to 54.81%.

Analysis of the evolution of male and female sex ratios (Figure 5) across the 16 campaigns studied revealed that six campaigns had nearly equal sex ratios, close to 50%, with very small differences (2 to 4%) between males and females. These included the spring campaigns of 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, and the summer campaign of 2023. Four campaigns showed a higher proportion of female lambs than males, with differences ranging from 6% to 10%; these were the spring campaigns of 2010 and 2015, and the autumn campaigns of 2011 and 2019. The remaining six campaigns exhibited higher proportions of male lambs, with more marked differences ranging from 6% to 16%. These were the spring campaigns of 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021, as well as the summer campaign of 2022.

One hypothesis is that, in the majority of campaigns, the number of male lambs being equal to or higher than that of females could contribute to the decline of this breed in the field. Male lambs generally have a shorter lifespan than females, as they are primarily raised for slaughter and only the best rams are retained for reproduction. This hypothesis should be further investigated through on-farm studies with Hamra breeders.

Figure 5. Annual evolution of the sex ratio at birth in Hamra (Deghma) lambs at ITELV, Saïda, from 2010 to 2023

Neonatal mortality of Hamra lambs (2010–2023)

Lamb mortality is a key factor affecting the numerical productivity of sheep flocks. In this study, we focused on neonatal mortality, defined as the death of lambs during the first days after birth. The average neonatal mortality rate was 6.05%, ranging from 0.58% to 10.65%, with a coefficient of variation of 50.68% (Table 1), indicating substantial fluctuations over the study period.

Analysis by mating campaign (Figure 6) showed that the lowest neonatal mortality occurred during the spring 2019 campaign, while the highest was observed in spring 2017. This latter campaign was characterized by a marked feed restriction due to the premature depletion of barley stocks. The lack of barley during this period likely induced an energy deficit that compromised gestation and maternal capacities, resulting in a significant increase in neonatal mortality within the flock.

Neonatal mortality in Hamra lambs is closely linked to maternal nutritional conditions around lambing. It is primarily caused by the abandonment of newborns by their mothers, especially during periods of nutritional deficit, as observed in the spring 2017 campaign. Discussions with local breeders indicated that Hamra ewes are highly resistant to drought and feed shortages. If such periods coincide with gestation, Hamra ewes generally carry their pregnancies to term, unlike more sensitive breeds that may abort under nutritional stress.

Hamra ewes possess a strong maternal instinct and can draw on body reserves to protect their lambs. However, if feed restriction persists postpartum, lactational performance may be impaired, and the ewe may abandon her lamb, leaving its care to the farmer.

Figure 6. Neonatal mortality of Hamra (Deghma) lambs at ITELV, Saïda, from 2010 to 2023

The neonatal mortality rates observed in this study are consistent with those reported by other authors for the same breed (Belabdi, 2020; Meddah et al 2024), as well as by El Bouyahyaoui (2017) for the Tazegzawt breed, Badrane (2019) for Rembi, and Zidane et al. (2021) for the Ouled Djellal breed.

In addition to its reproductive performance, the Hamra (Deghma) ewe also exhibits appreciable dairy potential under semi-intensive management conditions, which contributes to adequate lamb growth and survival. This productive trait further highlights the adaptive and productive value of this local breed in the semi-arid environments of western Algeria (Ait Lhadi et al 2025).

Despite the favorable reproductive performances observed in the present study, the population of the Hamra (Deghma) sheep in Algeria has experienced a marked decline over recent decades. Recent studies conducted in western Algeria have highlighted the progressive erosion of local sheep genetic resources and the increasing dominance of the Ouled Djellal sheep breed in many steppe regions (Faradji et al 2025).

Previous surveys conducted among breeders in the traditional cradle of the Hamra breed have also shown that socio-economic factors, market preferences, and breeders’ perceptions of productive traits have contributed to the progressive abandonment of this local breed in favour of more widespread breeds considered more profitable (ITELV-FAO-ANOC, 2016).

This situation appears paradoxical since the present study demonstrates that the Hamra breed still possesses good reproductive performances and strong adaptation to semi-arid environments.

Conclusion

The analysis of reproductive performance in the Hamra sheep breed, maintained as a purebred nucleus at ITELV, Saïda, over 16 breeding campaigns from 2010 to 2023, highlights several important findings.

The Hamra breed, managed under a semi-intensive system in its native region, showed promising reproductive performance. Being a non-seasonal breed, Hamra ewes are capable of natural reproduction throughout the year, and the use of the “ram effect” proved effective in synchronizing lambing periods.

This breed is prolific and capable of giving birth to twins without hormonal treatments, and it can successfully carry gestations to term even during periods of feed shortage. These maternal qualities of Hamra ewes can be fully utilized in any conservation and breed improvement program.

Overall, the reproductive performance of Hamra ewes can be considered good to very good and is comparable to that of other Algerian breeds. These performances could be further enhanced by ensuring balanced nutritional management, particularly during mating periods (flushing).

Given the progressive decline of the Hamra sheep population in Algeria, these results highlight the importance of implementing conservation and valorisation strategies for this local genetic resource. Strengthening purebred breeding and selection programs, together with increasing awareness among breeders of the productive potential of the Hamra breed, could contribute to its preservation and sustainable development in the high plateaus and steppe regions of western Algeria.

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