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1
Chapple, D. G., K. P. A. Wheeler, G. Perrott, and M. Witt. "Comparison of sugar beet feeds and distillers grains as supplements for early lambing ewes fed straw-based and big-bale silage diets." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1999 (1999): 126. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200002817.
Full textAbstract:
Feeding lowland sheep on straw-based systems during pregnancy (Davies and Chapple 1995) has shown that ewe and lamb performance can be satisfactory, providing adequate compound supplementation was fed. Whole barley and soya bean meal has been the standard ration. Experiments with March-lambing ewes (Chapple et al., 1997) has shown that feeds based on molassed sugar beet feed and maize distillers dark grains can replace a barley/soya supplement. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects on ewe and lamb performance of feeding sugar beet feeds with higher levels of distillers grains to January-lambing ewes on straw-based and big-bale silage systems during pregnancy and early lactation.
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Chapple, D. G., K. P. A. Wheeler, and G. Perrott. "Evaluation of sugar beet feeds and maize distiller's dark grains as supplements for pregnant ewes fed straw-based diets." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1998 (1998): 102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200597543.
Full textAbstract:
The feeding of lowland sheep on straw-based systems during pregnancy was developed at ADAS Rosemaund during the last decade (Davies and Chappie 1995). Results showed that ewe and lamb performance were satisfactory, providing adequate compound supplementation was fed. Whole barley and soya bean meal has been the standard ration, but feeds based on high protein molassed sugar beet feed (Probeet Trident Feed) and maize distiller's dark grains could improve palatability and be easier to feed. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects on ewe and lamb performance of feeding sugar beet feeds and maize distiller's dark grains to pregnant ewes on a straw-based feeding system.
3
Chapple, D. G., K. P. A. Wheeler, and G. Perrott. "Evaluation of sugar beet feeds and maize distiller's dark grains as supplements for pregnant ewes fed straw-based diets." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1998 (1998): 102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600033158.
Full textAbstract:
The feeding of lowland sheep on straw-based systems during pregnancy was developed at ADAS Rosemaund during the last decade (Davies and Chappie 1995). Results showed that ewe and lamb performance were satisfactory, providing adequate compound supplementation was fed. Whole barley and soya bean meal has been the standard ration, but feeds based on high protein molassed sugar beet feed (Probeet Trident Feed) and maize distiller's dark grains could improve palatability and be easier to feed. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects on ewe and lamb performance of feeding sugar beet feeds and maize distiller's dark grains to pregnant ewes on a straw-based feeding system.
4
Chapple, D. G., K. P. A. Wheeler, and S. P. Marsh. "A comparison of feed blocks or compound supplementary feeding systems for twin-bearing ewes during pregnancy and lactation." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1996 (March 1996): 176. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200593715.
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The feeding of ewes in late pregnancy is critically important because this is a period of high foetal growth rate. Feed blocks have been used to replace compound feeds in both hill and upland flocks but there is limited information available on block-feeding to lowland flocks.To evaluate the replacement of trough-feeding with self-help feed blocks, for housed ewes fed good quality grass silage during late pregnancy, and to lactating ewes at grass.
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Chapple, D. G., K. P. A. Wheeler, and S. P. Marsh. "A comparison of feed blocks or compound supplementary feeding systems for twin-bearing ewes during pregnancy and lactation." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1996 (March 1996): 176. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600031421.
Full textAbstract:
The feeding of ewes in late pregnancy is critically important because this is a period of high foetal growth rate. Feed blocks have been used to replace compound feeds in both hill and upland flocks but there is limited information available on block-feeding to lowland flocks.To evaluate the replacement of trough-feeding with self-help feed blocks, for housed ewes fed good quality grass silage during late pregnancy, and to lactating ewes at grass.
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Chapple, D. G., K. P. A. Wheeler, G. Perrott, and M. Witt. "Simple mixes of molassed sugar beet feed and distillers grains for lactating ewes." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 2000 (2000): 78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s175275620000079x.
Full textAbstract:
Feeding of lowland sheep on straw-based systems during pregnancy and in early lactation has shown that ewe and lamb performance can be satisfactory, providing adequate compound supplementation is fed (Davies and Chapple, 1995). Whole barley and soya bean meal has been the standard ration. However, soya bean meal is imported and not fully traceable. Experiments with January- and March-lambing ewes have shown that traceable, homeproduced feeds based on equal quantities of molassed sugar beet feed and either maize or barley distillers grains can replace a barley/soya supplement when fed with straw or silage-based diets in late pregnancy (Chappleet al., 1998 and 1999). The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects on ewe and lamb performance of feeding sugar beet feeds with distillers grains to March-lambing ewes rearing twin lambs at pasture.
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Chapple, D. G., K. P. A. Wheeler, M. W. Witt, and W. E. Blackburn. "Evaluation of an ensiled mix of moist sugar beet feed (pressed pulp) plus maize distillers dark grains as a supplement for twin-bearing March-lambing ewes fed straw-based diets." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 2003 (2003): 98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200012576.
Full textAbstract:
Feeding lowland sheep on straw-based systems during pregnancy is practised on many livestock/arable farms. Simple mixes of molassed sugar beet feed and distillers dark grains have been cost effective supplements for March-lambing ewes fed straw and produced satisfactory ewe and lamb performance (Chappleet al., 1998 and 2001). An ensiled mix of pressed sugar beet pulp and dried maize distillers grains (Praize, Trident Feeds) has been fed as the sole diet for finishing lambs (Pattinsonet al., 2001) but there is little information on feeding Praize to pregnant ewes. The objective of this study was to compare ewe and lamb performance when March-lambing ewes were fed on a straw-based system and supplemented with either a cereal/protein home-mix, Praize or one of two dried sugar beet pulp/protein mixes.
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Chapple, D. G., K. P. A. Wheeler, G. Perrott, and M. Witt. "Simple mixes of molassed sugar beet feed, field beans and distillers grains for pregnant March-lambing ewes." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 2001 (2001): 118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200005007.
Full textAbstract:
Feeding of lowland sheep on straw-based systems during pregnancy and in early lactation has shown that ewe and lamb performance can be satisfactory, providing adequate compound supplementation is fed (Davies and Chapple, 1995). Whole barley and soya bean meal has been the standard ration. However, soya bean meal is imported and may not be fully traceable. Maize or barley distillers fed with beans could provide traceable protein to replace soya bean meal in sheep diets. Experiments with housed early-lambing ewes and ewes suckling twin lambs at grass have shown that traceable feeds, based on molassed sugar beet and either maize or barley distillers grains, can replace a barley/soya supplement when fed with straw based diets in late pregnancy or at grass (Chappleet al., 1999 and 2000). The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects on ewe and lamb performance of feeding sugar beet feeds with distillers grains and beans to March-lambing ewes on a straw-based system.
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Stanford, K., G. L. Wallins, B. M. Lees, and H. H. Mündel. "Feeding value of immature safflower forage for dry ewes." Canadian Journal of Animal Science 81, no. 2 (June 1, 2001): 289–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/a00-090.
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An in situ study compared mature, frost-damaged safflower to full-bloom safflower and mid-bloom alfalfa-grass hay, with the full-bloom safflower and alfalfa-grass hay also used in a ewe (n = 40) feeding study. Feed refusals were higher (P < 0.05) for ewes fed the safflower, but feed conversion efficiency was improved (P < 0.05) for the safflower-fed sheep. Ewes were bred shortly after the 9-wk feeding trial and the proportion of ewes lambing was higher (P < 0.05) in the safflower-fed ewes. Sheep were able to utilise the safflower forage as thorough chewing of spines likely prevented mouth ulceration and the ewes selectively consumed the most nutrient-dense parts of the forage. Key words: Safflower forage, sheep, fertility
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Johns, C., J. Johns, and D. R. Stevens. "Increasing lamb survival and lamb weaning weight through feeding high fecundity crossbred sheep." NZGA: Research and Practice Series 16 (January 1, 2016): 323–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.33584/rps.16.2016.3244.
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The monitoring of a high fecundity ewe flock in the Te Anau basin demonstrates the process of improved feeding to improve lamb survival and growth to weaning. Feed budgeting was changed from traditional to tailored feed requirements based on measured ewe liveweight with wastage of 15% factored in. Feed allocation was changed from monthly to weekly increases during late pregnancy, and set stocking was delayed until the planned start of lambing. This increased late pregnancy feed allocation from 99 kg DM/ewe to 128 and 144 kg DM/ewe for twin and triplet bearing ewes, respectively. Ewe body condition score was maintained at between 3 and 3.5, with condition score loss between scanning and lambing being reduced to zero. Lamb survival and lamb liveweight gain to weaning increased in both twin and triplet bearing ewes. Pregnancy scanning increased from 200 to 222 lambs per 100 ewes, between 2007 and 2012, while lambing percentage (lambs weaned/ ewe mated) rose from 132% to 165%, with more ewes rearing lambs and rearing multiples. Lamb wastage declined from 37% in 2007 and 2008, to 25% in 2011 and 2012, though scanning percentage rose by 20%. Lamb weights increased from 27.5 to 36 kg/lamb at 100 days of age. The increase in the liveweight of lambs and ewes at weaning reduced the calculated feed requirements over summer and autumn, potentially releasing 70 to 110 kg DM/ewe to provide feed to meet the extra winter feed requirements. Keywords: ewe body condition score, feed allocation, lamb survival, lamb weaning weight
11
Waterhouse, A., and S. P. Marsh. "Effect of supplementation method on grazing behaviour of hill ewes." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1999 (1999): 131. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200002866.
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Supplementary feeding of hill ewes during pregnancy is an important aspect of sheep management. Two broad groups of feed are given. Firstly, there is feed offered on a restricted basis, daily. Secondly, there are feeds offered on an ad libitum basis, of which feedblocks are the most important form for hill ewes. Some studies have shown interaction between feedblock intake and social behaviour but little is known about foraging behaviour.The study used three, 3 ha (50m x 600m) paddocks side by side, rising steeply from 280 to 490 metres above sea level on a semi-natural acid grassland hill pasture. Each plot was divided with markers on the fence line into 15 divisions of 40m wide, rising in altitude up the plot, each referred to as grids later. In Plot 1, 10 hill ewes were offered 150 g/head of pelleted molassed sugar beet feed at 10 am each day at grid 1 (i.e. at the bottom of the slope).
12
Ford, Hunter, Massimo Bionaz, Serkan Ates, Joe Klopfenstein, Daniella Hasan, Gracia Puerto Hernandez, Julia VanDerZanden, Magdalena Ibarra, Caitlynn Dougherty, and Samantha Heney. "63 Effect of Chicory Silage and Se-yeast on Peripartum Ewes: Performance Data." Journal of Animal Science 99, Supplement_3 (October 8, 2021): 34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab235.059.
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Abstract The objective of this study was to test the possibility of improving the performance of peripartum ewes by feeding a combination of chicory silage and Se-yeast. Approximately four weeks prior to lambing, 36 pregnant Polypay ewes were moved into single pens and randomly assigned to one of four groups to be fed either grass or chicory silage and supplemented or not with 3.6 mg Se/day (DiaMune, Diamond V). Daily dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, body weight gain of lambs and body weight changes of the ewes, milk yield using a weigh-suckle-weigh system, and milk components were recorded. Data were analyzed using GLIMMIX (SAS v9) with time, silage, and Se interaction as fixed effects and ewe as random effect. Significance was declared with P ≤ 0.05. The DMI was lower in ewes fed chicory compared to grass silage with no effect of Se. Water intake was greater in ewes that were fed chicory silage than grass silage but lower in those supplemented with Se. Milk production of ewes and BW gain of the lambs were not affected by the treatments, but the gain efficiency (G:F) of lambs was larger in animal fed chicory vs. grass silage. Few differences were observed in milk components between the treatments. Protein content and SNF tended to be reduced by feeding Se (P = 0.08) while feeding Se increased C18:0 and preformed fatty acids in milk. Feeding chicory+Se tended to increase percentage of de novo-derived fatty acids in milk compared to feeding grass+Se. Somatic cell count (SCC) was not affected by the treatments. Overall, our data indicated that performance of the animals as well as milk components were not affected by feeding chicory and/or Se despite a lower feed intake when chicory was fed. Higher feed efficiency by using chicory is suggested by the DMI/gain of lambs.
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Flaherty, Kara, Branden J. Campbell, and Alejandro E. Relling. "240 Evaluating the Effect of Hay, Fed Ad-Libitum or Controlled, or Soybean Hulls During Gestation on Body Weight and Dry Matter Intake of the Ewe and Body Weight on the Offspring Until Weaning." Journal of Animal Science 100, Supplement_2 (April 12, 2022): 125. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac064.213.
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Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of feeding different types and amount of fiber during gestation on ewe body weight (BW) and dry matter intake (DMI), and lamb BW at birth and weaning (60 d of age). Ninety Dorset × Hampshire ewes were blocked by BW and within each block randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (10 ewes/pen; 3 pens/treatment): ad-libitum hay (CONT), limit-fed hay (LH), and soybean hulls (SH). The concentrate roughage ratio for the LH and SH diets was 1:3. From d 0 (28 d post mating) to d 63, LH and SH ewes were fed using slick bunk management. Ewes in the CONT diet were offered an equal amount of concentrate as LH ewes with ad-libitum access to hay. On d 63 ewes were offered the same diet to meet, but not exceed, maintenance requirements for late gestation. Feed offered and refused were collected daily for LH and SH ewes whereas hay refusal was collected weekly for CONT ewes. Ewe BW was collected on d 28, 34, 76, and 2-d after lambing. Lamb BW was collected at birth and weaning. Data, presented in Table 1, were analyzed as a mixed model considering the fixed effect of treatment and random effects of ewe (pen), pen, and block. Dry matter intake was similar the first 28 d (P = 0.13); however, SH ewes consumed more by d 62 (P = 0.02). As DMI increased, BW of SH ewes also increased during gestation (P ≤ 0.01) but was similar 2-d after lambing (P = 0.21). Lambs born of SH ewes were heavier at birth, but lighter at weaning (P ≤ 0.02). Despite each diet having the same forage concentrate ratio, forage source affected ewe BW during gestation and lamb BW at birth and weaning. Feeding hay ad-libitum or in a controlled manner did not change ewe or lamb BW.
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Merrell, B. G., and S. P. Marsh. "Effects on ewe and lamb performance of supplementing housed twin bearing/rearing crossbred ewes with self-help feed-blocks and liquid feed during late pregnancy and early lactation." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production (1972) 1994 (March 1994): 205. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600027495.
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Twin-bearing crossbred ewes may be supplemented for a total period of up to 12 weeks during late pregnancy and early lactation, with feeding costs in some systems accounting for approximately 0.45 of variable costs. A less expensive mean of supplementing ewes over this period would be one practical way of reducing a major variable cost. Self-help feed-blocks have been successfully fed to hill ewes for many years and there is increasing evidence that a self-help feed-block system has applications within the more productive crossbred flocks. An experiment was undertaken which determined the effects on ewe and lamb performance of supplementing twin bearing/rearing Mule ewes with self-help feed-blocks and liquid feed during late pregnancy and early lactation. These systems were compared with the more traditional system of feeding compound nuts.Sixty six twin-bearing Scotch Mule ewes per treatment in three pens were fed a basal diet of ad libitum baled grass/clover silage (dry matter (DM) 366 g/kg, pH 5.4, NH3N 71 g/kg, crude protein (CP) 155 g/kg DM and metabolisable energy (ME) 10.1 MJ/kg DM) supplemented with either a proprietary compound sheep nut (N), a reduced rate (approximately 0.60 of N) of the compound nut plus feed-blocks (NB) or feed-blocks plus liquid feed (BL).
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Sarvinda, Diahanvika Tri, Sigit Bintara, I. Gede Suparta Budisatria, Kustantinah Kustantinah, and Endang Baliarti. "The Effect of Flushing Premating with Spirulina Platensis Supplementation on Ewes Postpartum Estrus." Buletin Peternakan 46, no. 1 (February 27, 2022): 31. http://dx.doi.org/10.21059/buletinpeternak.v46i1.67523.
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Lactating ewes require high nutrients for basic life requirements and milk production. If not fulfilled, it can have an impact on Negative Energy Balance (NEB) that reduces body weight, Body Condition Score (BCS), and extend the appearance of Postpartum Estrus (PPE). Premating flushing feed is an effort to improve ewe nutrients by adding high nutrition for preparation before mating so that after lambing and suckling, the ewe immediately estrus. This research aimed to evaluate the performance of ewes through premating flushing feeding. The research was conducted at Mendo Galak Farm, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Twenty ewes 2-3 years old with BCS 2-3 divided into two groups; the group with flushing treatment consisted of dried water spinach (Ipomoea reptans poir), concentrate feed with Spirulina sp. (14,92% crude protein, 60,28% total digestible nutrients), and the control group (PS) without Spirulina sp. (crude protein 11,82%, total digestible nutrients 53,20%). Flushing feed was given after a month postpartum as much as 3% dry matter of body weight. The recorded parameter was daily feed consumption, monthly body weight, BCS, and postpartum estrus. The data obtained were tested by an independent T-test with Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPPS ver. 22). The results showed the consumption and digestibility of CP, TDN, and ewe's ADG had a significant difference (P<0.05). Postpartum estrus (PPE) of flushed ewes had no significant difference (P>0.05), 73.90±11.55 vs. 77.60±14.65 days, respectively. The conclusion was that flushing premating treatment with the addition of Spirulina platensis increased the nutrient intake and digestibility of CP, TDN, and ADG but had not shortened on postpartum estrus of lactating ewes.
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Pattinson, S. E., A. Locke, and C. M. Minter. "Grainbeet as a feed for ewes in late pregnancy." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1998 (1998): 101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200597531.
Full textAbstract:
Within early lambing systems, there is a heavy reliance on concentrate feeding in late pregnancy. Therefore, the possibility of replacing conventional dietary ingredients (e.g. barley, fishmeal) with cheaper by-products, such as sugar beet pulp and brewers grains, is of particular interest. Pelleted distillers barley grains fed with molassed sugar beet nuts have been shown to be a suitable feed for pregnant ewes (Merrell and Hyslop, 1994). However, some health problems have been noted when feeding malt distillers wet grains (Vipond and Lewis, 1993). The objective of this trial was to investigate the effect of feeding grainbeet (a mix of 5 parts brewers grains to 1 part molassed sugar beet pulp) on ewe performance, colostrum production and lamb performance.
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Pattinson, S. E., A. Locke, and C. M. Minter. "Grainbeet as a feed for ewes in late pregnancy." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1998 (1998): 101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600033146.
Full textAbstract:
Within early lambing systems, there is a heavy reliance on concentrate feeding in late pregnancy. Therefore, the possibility of replacing conventional dietary ingredients (e.g. barley, fishmeal) with cheaper by-products, such as sugar beet pulp and brewers grains, is of particular interest. Pelleted distillers barley grains fed with molassed sugar beet nuts have been shown to be a suitable feed for pregnant ewes (Merrell and Hyslop, 1994). However, some health problems have been noted when feeding malt distillers wet grains (Vipond and Lewis, 1993). The objective of this trial was to investigate the effect of feeding grainbeet (a mix of 5 parts brewers grains to 1 part molassed sugar beet pulp) on ewe performance, colostrum production and lamb performance.
18
Luque, A., T. N. Barry, W. C. McNabb, P. D. Kemp, and M. F. McDonald. "The effect of grazing Lotus corniculatus during late summer - autumn on reproductive efficiency and wool production in ewes." Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 51, no. 3 (2000): 385. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ar99078.
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A grazing experiment was conducted at Massey University (Palmerston North, New Zealand) over 80 days in the late summer–autumn of 1998 (9 February–29 April). Reproductive performance and wool growth of ewes grazing on Lotus corniculatus (birdsfoot trefoil) were compared with those of ewes grazing perennial ryegrass–white clover pasture. A rotational grazing system with 210 mixed-age dry ewes (59.80.9 kg/ewe) was used, with 80 ewes grazing pasture [1 g of condensed tannin (CT) per kg dry matter (DM)] and 130 ewes grazing L. corniculatus (24 g CT/kg DM). Half of the ewes grazing L. corniculatus were supplemented orally, twice daily, with polyethylene glycol (PEG; MW, 3500) to inactivate the CTs. The effect of forage species and PEG supplementation on voluntary feed intake (VFI), reproductive performance (as measured by ovulation rate), and wool production was measured during 4 synchronised oestrous cycles. The ewes were restricted to maintenance feeding during the first 10 days of each oestrous cycle and then increased to ad libitum for the 6 days leading up to and including ovulation. In vitro organic matter digestibility in the selected diet was higher for lotus than for pasture (0.80 v. 0.76), with L. corniculatus containing less nitrogen than pasture (36.5 v. 40.8 g/kg organic matter). Ewes grazing on L. corniculatus produced 11% more wool and had an ovulation rate up to 14% higher than ewes grazing pasture, with neither parameter being affected by PEG supplementation. Higher mean ovulation rates of ewes grazing L. corniculatus were due to increases in fecundity (multiple ovulations/ovulating ewe; P < 0.05), with no effect on ewes cycling/ewes mated. Three cycles of grazing on L. corniculatus were required to achieve the maximum response in multiple ovulation, but most of this was achieved after 2 cycles. As the VFI of ewes grazing on L. corniculatus was not greater than that of ewes grazing pasture, the greater wool production and higher ovulation rate of ewes grazing this forage was due to improved efficiency of feed utilisation. It was concluded that feeding ewes L. corniculatus increased the efficiency of both reproduction and wool production without increasing VFI.
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Walkom, S. F., F. D. Brien, M. L. Hebart, and W. S. Pitchford. "The impact of selecting for increased ewe fat level on reproduction and its potential to reduce supplementary feeding in a commercial composite flock." Animal Production Science 56, no. 4 (2016): 698. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an14579.
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In southern Australian grazing systems, energy availability typically exceeds energy requirements. Grazing systems are likely to have higher profitability if ewes can utilise this relatively cheap feed by gaining more condition (muscle and fat) and then mobilising it when feed is expensive. The present paper focusses on the importance of genetic merit for fat on the lifetime productivity of the ewe within a commercial operation. The analysis was carried out on a maternal composite stud flock in Holbrook, New South Wales. Ultrasound fat and muscle depth were measured on 2796 ewes as lambs at post-weaning and as adult ewes, to determine the genetic relationship between young and adult body composition. The hypothesis of the paper is that selection for increased fat at young age will improve body condition of adult ewes, which will lead to improved reproduction and potentially reduced requirements for supplementary feeding. Given that the difference in feed cost between times of abundance and shortage is likely to be larger, the system may become more profitable despite being less efficient (owing to increased feed intake). Our results indicated that selection for scanned post-weaning fat and muscle depth in lambs should lead to increased fat muscle and body condition in the breeding ewe because of strong genetic correlation estimates between the post-weaning and adult traits of 0.68–0.99. The influence of body composition traits on reproduction (number of lambs weaned) within the stud flock was weak. However, it is hypothesised that by genetically increasing post-weaning fat depth in ewes, producers could improve profitability by reducing the demands for supplementary feeding.
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THOMAS, V. M., E. AYERS, K. HANFORD, and R. KOTT. "INFLUENCE OF LASALOCID ON THE PRODUCTION OF GESTATING EWES IN AN EXTENSIVE GRAZING SYSTEM." Canadian Journal of Animal Science 68, no. 2 (June 1, 1988): 439–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjas88-049.
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A winter feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of lasalocid (L) on the production of gestating ewes in an extensive grazing system. Six hundred and sixty ewes were randomized within age and breed and allotted to feed supplements (0.23 kg head−1 d−1) containing either no L (C) or L at 308 mg kg−1 and fed for 84 d during gestation. Ewe weight change within periods (three, 28-d periods) was similar (P > 0.10) with the exception of period 2 where L-supplemented ewes tended to gain more (P < 0.10) weight than C ewes. Total ewe weight change during the wintering period and yearly wool production were not affected (P > 0.10) by treatment. Treatment had no affect (P > 0.10) on the percentage or kilograms of lamb weaned for ewes starting the experiment. Ewes suckling twins and fed L during gestation had less (P < 0.05) lambs bummed (lamb removed from the ewe and sold) or grafted (lamb removal from the ewe and raised by a foster mother) than those in C group and suckling twins. In conclusion, providing L in a supplement to gestating ewes grazing winter range did not significantly alter production with the exception of less twin born lambs being bummed or grafted. Key words: Sheep, lasalocid, gestation, winter range, ewe, lamb
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Brand, T. S., F. Franck, A. Durand, and J. Coetzee. "Use of varying combinations of energy and protein sources as supplementary feed for lambing ewes grazing cereal stubble." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 37, no. 1 (1997): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea95168.
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Summary. Three feeding trials compared production of lambing ewes grazing stubbles and fed different combinations of energy and protein supplements as loose licks. Each experiment had 2 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Experiment 1 compared urea (12.5 g/ewe. day) with fish meal (100 g/ewe. day) when fed with molasses (100 g/ewe. day) for 38 days during late pregnancy. Fish meal increased liveweight gain (from 2.0 to 5.7 kg) and wool growth (20%) but urea had no effect. In experiment 2, urea (12.5 g/ewe. day) was fed in combination with molasses (200 g/ewe. day) or barley meal (200 g/ewe. day) for 63 days during late pregnancy (last 6 weeks) and early lactation. Ewes supplemented with the barley–urea combination gained 5.6 kg during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy compared with 0.40 kg for barley and the 1.02 and 1.34 kg weight loss for ewes receiving molasses and the molasses–urea combination, respectively. Experiment 3 compared urea (12.5 g/ewe. day) with sweet lupin meal (106 g/ewe. day) when fed with barley meal (200 g/ewe. day) for 56 days during late pregnancy (last 4 weeks) and lactation. Sweet lupin meal improved the liveweight change of ewes during pregnancy (from 160 to 200 g/ewe. day) as well as the birth weight of lambs (400 g) but urea had no effect. The performance of lambing ewes grazing low-quality pasture at a high stocking density (>4.5 ewes/ha) for a long period (>130 days) can be improved by relatively low amounts of supplements such as fish meal, sweet lupin meal and barley–urea.
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Brown, D. C., and E. M. Thomas. "The effect of providing a creep feed with or without a coccidiostat to march born lambs kept at high stocking rates." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production (1972) 1992 (March 1992): 162. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600022728.
Full textAbstract:
Feeding straw as the only roughage to housed ewes during the winter is gaining in popularity. This practice requires new grazing techniques because silage aftermaths might not be available in the summer to reduce stocking rates as grazing demands increase. It has been shown that set stocking ewes at either 22 or 30 ewes/ha and feeding a creep feed to the lambs ensured that all lambs were sold by August and gross margins/ha were increased (Brown, 1986). However, at these high stocking rates coccidiosis was a problem.222 Mule ewes with their Suffolk or Polled Dorset cross lambs were divided into 6 similar groups. Each group were set stocked in a 1.4 ha plot so that 31 ewes with 57 lambs grazed at 22 ewes/ha, and 43 ewes with 79 lambs grazed at 30 ewes/ha.
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Petit, H. V. "Production of ewes rearing twin or triplet lambs fed grass silage with a commercial concentrate or a mixture of beet pulp and soybean meal." Canadian Journal of Animal Science 77, no. 1 (March 1, 1997): 87–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/a96-028.
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Forty multiparous Outaouais ewes were used to investigate the effects of number of suckling lambs (2 versus 3) and type of feed supplement in grass silage-based diets on ewe and lamb performance. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Isonitrogenous and isoenergetic supplements were either a mixture of beet pulp and soybean meal (BP) or a commercial concentrate (CO). Dietary treatments continued from 28 d prepartum until 42 d postpartum. Milk yield was measured weekly. Dietary treatments and number of suckling lambs had no effect (P > 0.10) on DM intake. Feeding BP resulted in similar milk yield for ewes nursing twin (TW) and triplet (TR) lambs, and feeding CO resulted in higher milk yield for ewes nursing TW compared to those nursing TR; this resulted in a significant interaction (P = 0.08) between diet and the number of suckling lambs. Dietary treatments and number of suckling lambs had no effect (P > 0.10) on milk composition. Loss of body weight was greater (P < 0.01) for ewes nursing TR than for those nursing TW, while there was no difference (P > 0.10) between ewes fed BP and those fed CO. Body weight at birth and on day 42, and ADG of TW were greater (P < 0.01) than those of TR, but type of supplement had no effect on lamb performance. Intake of DM was below requirements of ewes nursing TW. These data suggest that DM intake is not responsible for all differences observed in milk yield. Factors such as greater body weight loss could have contributed to increased milk yield. Feeding BP compared to CO may have contributed to maintain similar milk yield for ewes nursing TW and TR, but lamb growth was limited by milk yield as less milk was available per lamb for TR compared to TW. Key words: Ewes, lambs, lactation, beet pulp
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Kiełtyka-Kurc, Agata, Joanna Rydel-Gigauri, and Marcin T. Górecki. "Circadian Activity of Dairy Ewes Kept Indoors / Aktywność dobowa maciorek mlecznych utrzymywanych w chowie alkierzowym." Annals of Animal Science 13, no. 1 (January 1, 2013): 55–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10220-012-0058-7.
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Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize the activity of Polish Milk Sheep 05 ewes housed in the indoor system. One group of 28 animals was observed. The observations lasted 227 hours and were conducted during day and night. The activity of each ewe was recorded every 10 minutes. The observed sheep rested for most of the day. Their activity increased at dawn, during milking (and feeding) and after green forage was provided in the afternoon. The time of feeding was mostly dependent on human activities. Rumination always occurred after the feed was offered. Sheep mainly slept lying down after milking and at night. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep was observed. There were statistically significant (P≤0.05) differences in individual forms of behaviour (moving, standing, lying, feeding and ruminating) between different times of the day. In conclusion, the activity pattern of the indoor-housed ewes resembled that of pastured ruminants, but it was also strongly influenced by farm staff (milking, feeding, etc.).
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Tillquist, Nicole M., Amanda S. Reiter, Mia Y. Kawaida, Brandon I. Smith, Sarah A. Reed, Steven A. Zinn, and Kristen E. Govoni. "PSIII-24 Poor gestational nutrition impacts sheep offspring growth but not feed efficiency." Journal of Animal Science 99, Supplement_3 (October 8, 2021): 311. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab235.571.
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Abstract The objective was to determine the effects of poor maternal nutrition during gestation on growth and feed efficiency of offspring. We hypothesized that body weights (BW) would decrease and residual feed intake (RFI) would increase (reduced feed efficiency) in offspring of restricted- and over-fed ewes. Forty-six multiparous Dorset ewes pregnant with twins were fed 100%, 60% or 140% of NRC requirements from d 30 of gestation until parturition. Offspring are referred to as CON (n = 10 ewes; 12 rams), RES (n = 13 ewes; 21 rams), and OVER (n = 16 ewes; 13 rams), respectively. Lamb BW were measured weekly from birth to d 28 and biweekly until d 252 of age. Starting at d 167±13.6, daily intake of a complete pelleted feed was recorded using a Super SmartFeed (C-lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) over a 77 d- feeding period. Average BW were taken two days before, at mid-point, and two days after the feeding trial period and RFI was calculated for each animal. Rams were euthanized at d 284±12 and body morphometrics, loin eye area (LEA), back fat thickness, and organ weights were collected. From birth to d 252, ram lambs were 5.4 kg heavier (P < 0.001) than ewe lambs. Control ewe lambs were 4.3 kg heavier than RES and OVER (P < 0.05) from birth to 9 months and CON rams were 4.7 kg heavier (P < 0.01) than RES. Rams (-0.17) were more efficient than ewes (0.23; P < 0.01); however, no dietary treatment difference was observed (P ≥ 0.57). No differences in muscle mass, LEA, and adipose deposition were observed (P ≥ 0.41). These data indicate that poor maternal diet during gestation impacts offspring growth but not RFI. Further investigation is warranted to determine if differences in BW are a result of metabolic alterations impacted by poor maternal nutrition during gestation.
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Hills, J., I. Kyriazakis, J. V. Nolan, G. N. Hinch, and E. Thomson. "Conditioned feeding responses in sheep to flavoured foods associated with sulphur doses." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1998 (1998): 26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200596781.
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The development by ruminants of strong conditioned flavour aversions (CFAs) to foods associated with the administration of LiCl (an artificial toxin) has demonstrated their potential to avoid feeds that cause negative postingestive consequences (Provenza, 1995). Weaker CFAs are formed when they ingest foods with the detrimental secondary plant compound, oxalic acid (Kyriazakis et al. 1997). Moreover, animals may exhibit conditioned preferences (CFPs) for foods supplying appropriate amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen (Provenza, 1995). In this study we tested whether a continuum exists in the formation of CFAs and CFPs to foods that are associated with increasing availability of sulphur (S) in crossbred ewes.
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Hills, J., I. Kyriazakis, J. V. Nolan, G. N. Hinch, and E. Thomson. "Conditioned feeding responses in sheep to flavoured foods associated with sulphur doses." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1998 (1998): 26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600032396.
Full textAbstract:
The development by ruminants of strong conditioned flavour aversions (CFAs) to foods associated with the administration of LiCl (an artificial toxin) has demonstrated their potential to avoid feeds that cause negative postingestive consequences (Provenza, 1995). Weaker CFAs are formed when they ingest foods with the detrimental secondary plant compound, oxalic acid (Kyriazakis et al. 1997). Moreover, animals may exhibit conditioned preferences (CFPs) for foods supplying appropriate amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen (Provenza, 1995). In this study we tested whether a continuum exists in the formation of CFAs and CFPs to foods that are associated with increasing availability of sulphur (S) in crossbred ewes.
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Holst, PJ. "Supplementary feeding of oat grain or lucerne hay to crossbred ewes at lambing." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 27, no. 2 (1987): 211. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea9870211.
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Border Leicester x Merino ewes (body condition score 2.6-3.0) grazing short pastures were given feed supplements during lambing, to examine effects on lamb survival. Supplementary feeding of poor quality lucerne hay, good quality lucerne hay or oaten grain, each given ad libitum, began 3 days prior to the start of the 4-week lambing period and continued to the end of lambing. One third of the ewes had twins. Lamb marking percentage for the unsupplemented treatment was 108.5% compared with 109.9, 118.1 and 111.7% for the poor quality lucerne hay, good quality lucerne hay and oaten grain treatments respectively. Of twin-bearing ewes given good quality hay, 60% reared both lambs, compared with 48-49% of those given poor quality hap or grain (n.s.) and 36% of those not supplemented (P < 0.05). Supplements did not improve the survival rate of single lambs. Overall survival (combining birth types) of lambs was also significantly improved by a supplement of good quality hay. The observed differences in twin survival were associated with differences in ewe grazing behaviour. These results support recommendations that supplementary feeding of twin-bearing ewes approaching lambing with a body condition score of 2.6-3.0 will improve lamb survival and weaning weights.
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Chiy, P. C., and C. J. C. Phillips. "Organic and inorganic nutrient utilization by ewes zero-grazed on pastures of varying sodium levels." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1995 (March 1995): 62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200590590.
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Efficient nutrient utilization by livestock is a function of adequate intake of a given nutrient, its unimpaired release from the ingested feed and optimal availability to, absorption by, and retention in animals. Optimization of these functions to fulfil livestock physiological requirements is not often achieved under normal feeding conditions. A nutrient imbalance, especially of minerals, can initiate the onset of clinical disease such as parturient paresis and hypomagnesaemia. An additional difficulty of improper nutrient balance arises in diet formulation, since the addition of one nutrient almost invariably affects the concentration and utilization of another. The antagonism between sodium (Na) and potassium (K) and their specific involvement at the cellular level in water metabolism, nutrient uptake and transmission of nerve impulses is a firmly established example. High levels of Na ingestion such as often occurs in saline environments or when loose forms of Na are included in conserved feeds can be detrimental to animal performance. However, at levels more typical of practical livestock feeding, Na nutrition is beneficial to livestock productivity. Sodium increases the divalent cation contents of forage and depresses K (Moseley, 1980; Chiy and Phillips, 1993), improves in vivo DM and fibre digestion and the release of inorganic nutrient from fresh forage grazed by ruminants (see recent review by Chiy and Phillips, 1995).
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Chiy, P. C., and C. J. C. Phillips. "Organic and inorganic nutrient utilization by ewes zero-grazed on pastures of varying sodium levels." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1995 (March 1995): 62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600028300.
Full textAbstract:
Efficient nutrient utilization by livestock is a function of adequate intake of a given nutrient, its unimpaired release from the ingested feed and optimal availability to, absorption by, and retention in animals. Optimization of these functions to fulfil livestock physiological requirements is not often achieved under normal feeding conditions. A nutrient imbalance, especially of minerals, can initiate the onset of clinical disease such as parturient paresis and hypomagnesaemia. An additional difficulty of improper nutrient balance arises in diet formulation, since the addition of one nutrient almost invariably affects the concentration and utilization of another. The antagonism between sodium (Na) and potassium (K) and their specific involvement at the cellular level in water metabolism, nutrient uptake and transmission of nerve impulses is a firmly established example. High levels of Na ingestion such as often occurs in saline environments or when loose forms of Na are included in conserved feeds can be detrimental to animal performance. However, at levels more typical of practical livestock feeding, Na nutrition is beneficial to livestock productivity. Sodium increases the divalent cation contents of forage and depresses K (Moseley, 1980; Chiy and Phillips, 1993), improves in vivo DM and fibre digestion and the release of inorganic nutrient from fresh forage grazed by ruminants (see recent review by Chiy and Phillips, 1995).
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Speijers, M. H. M., M. D. Fraser, V. J. Theobald, R. Fychan, and W. Haresign. "The performance of twin-bearing ewes and their progeny when offered red clover, lucerne and grass silages during late pregnancy." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 2001 (2001): 119. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200005019.
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Feeding conserved forage in the form of silage to pregnant ewes in winter is common practice in agricultural systems in the UK. However, silage as a sole feed in late pregnancy is unlikely to meet the nutritional requirements of ewes carrying twin lambs, and supplementary feeding is usually required. Evidence suggests forage legumes such as red clover and lucerne offer great scope for improving the supply of protein to ruminants (Frame et al., 1998), and feeding silage prepared from these crops could potentially reduce the need for protein supplements. The aim of this experiment was to compare the performance of twin-bearing ewes and their lambs when fed either ensiled red clover, lucerne or ryegrass during late pregnancy.
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Wylie, A. R. G., and D. M. B. Chestnutt. "The effect of silage quality and frequency of feeding of supplementary concentrates on serum metabolite and insulin-like growth factor 1 (igf-1) concentrations in the late pregnant ewe." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production (1972) 1992 (March 1992): 25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600021498.
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Concentrates for pregnant ewes are often increased incrementally during the last 6-8 weeks to as much as 50% of dry matter intake. Commonly, they are given as a single daily feed. Increasing the number of meals in which a concentrate allowance is given to cattle minimises diurnal fluctuation in ruminal activity with beneficial effects on dry matter intake (DMI).The current study was undertaken to determine if more frequent feeding of concentrates to ewes in late pregnancy affects levels of nutritionally-dependent serum IGF-1 and serum metabolites and to associate these with changes in ewe DMI and performance.
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Casao, A., G. A. María, and J. A. Abecia. "A preliminary study of the effects of organic farming on oocyte quality in ewe lambs." Zygote 25, no. 1 (December 7, 2016): 98–102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0967199416000393.
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SummaryThis study tested whether feeding Rasa Aragonesa ewes certified organic feed, from 15 days before mating until lamb weaning, improved oocyte quality and in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) performances of the offspring. In a second experiment, ovaries from ewe lambs that were bred on an organic farm and were of the same breed were compared with those from conventionally bred animals. The number (± standard error of the mean) of healthy oocytes per ewe lamb did not differ significantly between organic (12.2 ± 3.3) and conventionally (13.6 ± 4.0) fed ewes. Ovaries from ewe lambs born on an organic farm had significantly (P < 0.0001) more healthy oocytes per ewe lamb (39.6 ± 5.2) than did those born on a conventional farm (25.0 ± 4.2), and higher IVM (76.5% vs. 53.1%, P < 0.0001) and IVF (97.3 vs. 91%, P < 0.05) rates. In conclusion, this preliminary approach to the study of the effect of organic procedures on the sheep oocyte quality indicates that the total integration in the complete organic system improved the oocyte quality of ewe lambs, although organic feeding alone was insufficient to improve quality.
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GONYOU, H. W., and A. R. COBB. "THE INFLUENCE OF TIME OF FEEDING ON THE TIME OF PARTURITION IN EWES." Canadian Journal of Animal Science 66, no. 3 (September 1, 1986): 569–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjas86-063.
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Three trials, involving a total of 365 ewes, were conducted to determine the influence of the time when feed is available on the distribution of parturitions. In the initial trial, ewes were fed at either 0800, 1600 or 2400 h. Births were unevenly distributed throughout the day with 29% of parturitions occurring between 0400 and 0800 h (P < 0.01). The time of day when feed was available influenced the time of parturition (P < 0.01) with 64.9% of lambings occurring between 4 h prior to 8 h after feeding. In subsequent trials, feeding for 4 vs. 8 h, beginning in the morning, did not influence the proportion of ewes giving birth during the day (0600–1800 h) or during the late night (2200–0600 h). Feeding late in the morning (1200 h) compared with feeding at 0800 h did not significantly increase the proportion of parturitions occurring during the day (65.1 vs. 61.2%, respectively) but tended to reduce late night lambings (19.8% vs. 31.6, respectively; P = 0.06). It was concluded that a large proportion of daytime births can be achieved by feeding in the morning, and late morning feeding is indicated to reduce late night parturitions. Key words: Sheep, parturition, feeding, diurnal
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Bowen, M. K., P. M. Pepper, E. Patterson, I. McConnel, and D. J. Jordan. "Growth and carcass characteristics of cast-for-age Merino ewes fed sorghum-based feedlot diets." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47, no. 11 (2007): 1309. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea06145.
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Grain feeding low bodyweight, cast-for-age (CFA) sheep from pastoral areas of eastern Australia at the end of the growing season can enable critical carcass weight grades to be achieved and thus yield better economic returns. The aim of this work was to compare growth and carcass characteristics for CFA Merino ewes consuming either simple diets based on whole sorghum grain or commercial feed pellets. The experiment also compared various sources of additional nitrogen (N) for inclusion in sorghum diets and evaluated several introductory regimes. Seventeen ewes were killed initially to provide baseline carcass data and the remaining 301 ewes were gradually introduced to the concentrate diets over 14 days before being fed concentrates and wheaten hay ad libitum for 33 or 68 days. Concentrate treatments were: (i) commercial feed pellets, (ii) sorghum mix (SM; whole sorghum grain, limestone, salt and molasses) + urea and ammonium sulfate (SMU), (iii) SMU + whole cottonseed at 286 g/kg of concentrate dry matter (DM), (iv) SM + cottonseed meal at 139 g/kg of concentrate DM, (v) SMU + virginiamycin (20 mg/kg of concentrate) for the first 21 days of feeding, and (vi) whole cottonseed gradually replaced by SMU over the first 14 days of feeding. The target carcass weight of 18 kg was achieved after only 33 days on feed for the pellets and the SM + cottonseed meal diet. All other whole grain sorghum diets required between 33 and 68 days on feed to achieve the target carcass weight. Concentrates based on whole sorghum grain generally produced significantly (P < 0.05) lower carcass weight and fat score than pellets and this may have been linked to the significantly (P < 0.05) higher faecal starch concentrations for ewes consuming sorghum-based diets (270 v. 72 g/kg DM on day 51 of feeding for sorghum-based diets and pellets, respectively). Source of N in whole grain sorghum rations and special introductory regimes had no significant (P > 0.05) effects on carcass weight or fat score of ewes with the exception of carcass weight for SMU + whole cottonseed being significantly lower than SM + cottonseed meal at day 33. Ewes finished on all diets produced acceptable carcasses although muscle pH was high in all ewe carcasses (average 5.8 and 5.7 at 33 and 68 days, respectively). There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences between diets in concentrate DM intake, rumen fluid pH, meat colour score, fat colour score, eye muscle area, meat pH or meat temperature.
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Salman, A. D. "Influence of feeding different types feed blocks as supplementary feed on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes grazing cereal stubble." Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine 29, no. 1 (June 30, 2005): 143–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.30539/iraqijvm.v29i1.882.
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This study was conducted to investigate the Influence of feeding different types feed blocks as supplementary feed on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes grazing cereal stubble. These types were feed blocks enriched with cottonseed meal (CSM) or Brewers’ grain (BG) as sources undegradable protein (UDP). Ninety-six Awassi ewes (mean live weight 42.2 Kg), aged 3-4 years were allocated into three groups according to ewes live weight and body condition score.Group (C): Control (No Supplement) stubble grazing only.Group (FBC): FB enriched with CSM supplement plus stubble grazing.Group (FBB): FB enriched with BG supplement plus stubble grazing.All ewes were run as one flock during cereal stubble grazing. The feed blocks were fed to animals (supplementary groups) after their return from grazing wheat and barley stubble (28 days prior to mating and 54 days after introduction of rams). Rams run with the flock during the mating period. The results showed that feeding feed blocks enriched with CSM and BG as supplementary feed resulted considerable improvement in weight gain (P<0.05), body condition score (P<0.05), conception rate (13-16), lambing percentage (25-33%), twinning percentage (13-18%) and decreased the proportion of barren ewes (19 vs. 6 and 3%). Inclusion of small amount of high moisture brewers grain by-product (9%) as sources of undegradable protein in the feed blocks formula as replacement for costly cottonseed meal resulted a dramatic effects on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes especially twinning rates and lambing rate.
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Creed, J., T. G. McEvoy, J. J. Robinson, R. P. Aitken, R. M. Palmer, and I. Robertson. "The effect of pre-ovulatory nutrition on the subsequent development of superovulated sheep ova in an in vitro culture system." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production (1972) 1994 (March 1994): 82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600026295.
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Superovulatory treatments for ewes are normally preceded by a period of priming. In a recent study involving two contrasting levels of feeding (0.6 versus 2.4 x maintenance), McEvoy et al (1993) observed that the higher level of feeding suppressed pre-ovulatory plasma progesterone concentrations and the subsequent early development and viability of fertilized ova. This finding suggests that there is a need to reconsider the recommendation, based on data for spontaneously-ovulating ewes, that ‘superovulated embryo donor ewes’ should be maintained on a high level of feeding during the period of oocyte maturation. It also raises questions regarding the form of the relationship between food intake and plasma progesterone concentrations over the wide range of feeding levels that occur in practice. The aims of the present study were therefore two-fold; firstly, to investigate the relationship between level of feeding and plasma progesterone for feed intakes that ranged from 0.6 x maintenance (M) to 2.4 M and secondly to assess the effect of pre-ovulatory feeding levels on the number, quality and viability of ova produced following superovulation.
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Carty, J. D., P. J. Quinn, J. V. O'Doherty, J. J. Callan, B. Flynn, M. M. Muwalla, and T. F. Crosby. "A comparison of hay and silage with concentrates for twin bearing ewes." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 1997 (1997): 180. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200596215.
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In Ireland, hay has been the traditional fodder offered to sheep during the winter period but the increasing tendency to house ewes before lambing has led to a substantial increase in the use of silage for this purpose. By-products are increasingly used as supplements to these forages, with little relative information available on their value. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of feeding grass silage and hay when supplemented with either barley, molassed sugar beet pulp or citrus pulp based concentrates to ewes in late pregnancy on feed intake, ewe weight and body condition changes, gestation length, litter birth weight and colostrum yield.
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Schaub, Daniel, and Christian Posbergh. "PSI-5 Relationships of Feed Efficiency and Growth Estimated Breeding Values in Range Sheep." Journal of Animal Science 100, Supplement_4 (October 22, 2022): 23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac313.033.
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Abstract United States sheep producers have selected range sheep for larger post-weaning weights through estimated breeding values (EBVs) for the past forty years. This has led to producers perceiving more feed being required than historical averages. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between lamb growth estimated breeding values, feed intake, and feed efficiency. Eighty ewe lambs (40 Targhee and 40 Rambouillet) were weaned at four months of age and put onto a GrowsafeTM feeding system for a 42-day feeding trial with a 14-day adaption period. Ewe lambs were weighed weekly and at the beginning and end of the trial. Body weights, average daily gain (ADG), and daily feed intake measurements were used to calculate Residual Feed Intake (RFI). The ewe lambs’ post-weaning weight EBV was associated to feed intake, mid-trial metabolic body weight, and RFI. These experimental procedures were repeated in a second trial when the same ewes were yearlings and at maintenance. While post-weaning weight EBVs were predictive to dry matter intake (P < 0.05), there was no relationship between post-weaning weight EBVs and RFI (P > 0.05), this association was constant across both trials. A ewe’s post-weaning weight EBV was also predictive of mid-trial body weight in both trials (P < 0.05). This suggests that while selection for higher post-weaning weight animals may increase sheep producers’ feed usage due to larger body size, feed efficiency is not associated with the post-weaning weight EBV. To investigate if the RFI measurements from the growth stage are predictive of maintenance requirements, we further compared the RFI, ADG, mid-trial body weights, and DMI measurements between the two trials. Growth RFI measurements were found not to be predictive of RFI in maintenance. Therefore, caution should be used when utilizing RFI from the growth phase as an indicator for feed efficiency in maintenance. Alternatively, we found that DMI from the growth stage was predictive of DMI of the maintenance stage (P < 0.05). Ewes’ mid-trial body weight in the first trial was also predictive of the mid-trial body weight of the second trial (P < 0.05). Mid-trial body weight was positively associated with DMI in both trials (P < 0.05). Thus, the differences in ewe body weight were likely driving the differences seen in dry matter intake. Overall, our results suggest that range producer’s selection towards sheep with larger post weaning weight EBVs may be increasing ewe DMI due to increased body size but is not negatively affecting the ewe’s overall feed efficiency.
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Raeside, M. C., Z. N. Nie, M. Robertson, D. L. Partington, and R. Behrendt. "Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) as pregnancy and lactation feed for ewes joined at 8 months of age." Animal Production Science 54, no. 8 (2014): 1023. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an13205.
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Ewe nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is a key determinant of ewe and lamb performance. A paddock-scale field experiment in western Victoria, Australia, tested the hypothesis that grazing maiden ewes on plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) from mid-pregnancy until lamb weaning (July 2010–January 2011) would increase ewe liveweight and condition score during this period, reduce worm egg counts, and increase lamb liveweights at birth, marking and weaning, relative to tetraploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), but that further increases would be achieved by offering a spatially arranged sward of plantain and perennial ryegrass. The experiment tested three treatments: plantain (PL), perennial ryegrass (PR), and a 50 : 50 (by area) spatially separated mixture of perennial ryegrass and plantain (PR + PL). Plots were ~1 ha in size arranged in a randomised complete block design with four replications. The ewes were Coopworth composites joined at 8 months of age. Feed-on-offer levels (kg DM/ha) did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments, with 2.3–3.0 t DM/ha being available pre-grazing. Twin-bearing ewes had higher (P < 0.05) liveweights when offered PR + PL compared with PR or PL at late-pregnancy and higher (P < 0.05) liveweights than PR but not PL (P > 0.05) at lamb marking. At weaning, single-born lambs were heavier (P < 0.05) on PR than PR + PL, with the PL being intermediate. There were no other significant differences (P > 0.05). This experiment has found that feeding plantain to ewes during pregnancy and lactation, or offering ewes spatially separated mixes of plantain and perennial ryegrass, offers no clear liveweight or worm egg count improvement for ewes and lambs relative to a tetraploid perennial ryegrass under Western Victorian conditions.
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Bushara, Omer Mohammed, Salih Ahmed Babiker, Ikhlas Ahmed Nour, and Omer Mustafa Osman. "Birth Characteristics and Pre-Weaning Lamb Growth of Grazing Sudan Desert Ewes Supplemented in Different Reproductive Stages." European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 3, no. 1 (February 23, 2021): 148–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.24018/ejfood.2021.3.1.189.
Full textAbstract:
This work was conducted to study effect of supplementary feeding at different reproductive stages on birth characteristics and pre weaning growth performance of lamb born to desert sheep (Hamari subtype) raised on natural range in West Kordofan State, Sudan. Ninety ewes of similar age and live weight were used in the study. Ewes were divided into three feeding group of 30 animals each. Group A was given concentrate supplement for one month before mating, one month during mating, and one month before lambing; group B was given the supplement for one month during mating and one month before lambing, while group C was left as a control group kept on natural grazing. The concentrate diet consisted of sorghum grains 15 %, groundnut cake 20 %, molasses 15 %, wheat bran 25 %, groundnut hulls 23 %, salt 1 % and 1 % limestone, and was offered at a rate of 500 gm./ewe/day. All animals were allowed to graze on natural range and were watered every 2-3 days. The result indicated that birth weight in general and that of ram lambs was heavier in concentrate supplemented ewes. Although there was no significant difference between supplemented and grazing ewes on pre-weaning growth rate of their lambs yet lambs born to non-supplemented ewes had lower total live weight gain. It is recommended that feed supplementation and range improvement programs are needed as water harvesting and reseeding of range lands to reduce stress of long journies searching for water and forage, to improve productive performance of sheep and pre-weaning growth of their lambs.
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Bhatt, R. S., A. Sahoo, and S. A. Karim. "Replacement of mustard oil cake by urea in short-term strategic feeding of cull ewes to improve body condition and carcass traits." Animal Production Science 57, no. 5 (2017): 849. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an15178.
Full textAbstract:
Strategic short-term feeding of culled Malpura ewes (age >6 years, average liveweight 26.8 ± 0.96 kg) was aimed at improving their body condition and increase marketability of their carcass following slaughter. Randomly, 8 out of 40 ewes were slaughtered to study initial (Day 0) carcass traits and the remaining ewes were equally divided into two groups: mustard cake (Control) and urea. They were stall fed with ad libitum guar straw (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and concentrate mixture at 25 g/kg liveweight after 4 h of morning grazing in the pasture. The Control group was offered concentrate with solvent extracted mustard cake whereas it was replaced on an equivalent nitrogen (N) basis with urea in the concentrate offered to the other group. Daily feed intake and weekly change in ewe liveweight and body condition score were measured during the 91 days of the experiment. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in digestibility of nutrients between the groups. Both groups had similar dry matter and metabolisable energy intake, but the mustard cake group recorded higher (P < 0.05) cumulative weight gain and body condition score. Ruminal fluid samples and blood biochemical measurements were analysed periodically (0, 45 and 91 days), with ruminal fluid samples during the post-feeding hours also analysed. There was periodic variation in rumen pH (P = 0.013), volatile fatty acid (P = 007), total N (P = 0.001) and ammonia-N (P = 0.025) concentration in both groups. Higher post-feeding volatile fatty acid (P = 0.031) and total N (P = 0.003) values were observed in the mustard cake group. Ruminal ciliate protozoal population showed a quadratic response over time after feeding with an initial decline post-grazing, but was not affected by treatment. Similar significant (P < 0.05) improvements in haemoglobin, glucose, total protein, urea and cholesterol levels were evident in both groups at 91 days. Both treatments showed similar improvement in carcass composition, distribution of fat and chemical composition of Longissimus dorsi after 91 days of realimentation compared with initial values. Short-term pre-slaughter feeding of cull ewes improved body condition, carcass traits and composition. Replacement of costly mustard cake with urea in the diet of cull ewes could be a means to improve profitability of this strategic feeding protocol, as well as enhancing their market value.
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Cieslak, A., J. Kowalczyk, M. Czauderna, A. Potkanski, and M. Szumacher-Strabel. "Enhancing unsaturated fatty acids in ewe's milk by feeding rapeseed or linseed oil." Czech Journal of Animal Science 55, No. 1 (January 25, 2010): 496–504. http://dx.doi.org/10.17221/1704-cjas.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of our research was to evaluate whether rapeseed and linseed oils used as feed additives to ewe's diets allow to achieve the higher secretion of unsaturated fatty acids into milk with extended emphasis on the conjugated linoleic acid concentration. Two experiments were carried out on 6 lactating ewes in two independent 3 × 3 Latin square designs. In each feeding cycle the animals were subjected to one of the treatments: (1) without oil supplementation, (2) with 3.5% of rapeseed oil (RS) or linseed oil (LS), (3) with 7.0% of rapeseed oil or linseed oil. Feeding diets rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids to lactating ewes under our experimental conditions resulted in demanded changes in milk fatty acid content without causing milk fat depression or modification of other milk constituents. Milk fat was improved in unsaturated fatty acids including C18:2 c9 t11 CLA isomer without changing the milk fat concentration. The C18:2 c9 t11 concentration increased from 0.03 (FAME, %) in the control group to 0.21 and 0.12 (FAME, %) in groups receiving 3.5 and 7% RS, respectively. The diet with 7% LS also elevated the C18:2 c9 t11 level in milk from 0.04 (FAME, %) in the control group to 0.11 (FAME, %). Hence a conclusion is drawn that plant oils may be an important source of monoenic and also polyenic fatty acids in milk, however, our research and analysis of literature data indicate that results are strictly dietary and supplement-dependent.
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Cieslak, A., J. Kowalczyk, M. Czauderna, A. Potkanski, and M. Szumacher-Strabel. "Enhancing unsaturated fatty acids in ewe's milk by feeding rapeseed or linseed oil." Czech Journal of Animal Science 55, No. 11 (December 14, 2010): 496–504. http://dx.doi.org/10.17221/874-cjas.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of our research was to evaluate whether rapeseed and linseed oils used as feed additives to ewe's diets allow to achieve the higher secretion of unsaturated fatty acids into milk with extended emphasis on the conjugated linoleic acid concentration. Two experiments were carried out on 6 lactating ewes in two independent 3 × 3 Latin square designs. In each feeding cycle the animals were subjected to one of the treatments: (1) without oil supplementation, (2) with 3.5% of rapeseed oil (RS) or linseed oil (LS), (3) with 7.0% of rapeseed oil or linseed oil. Feeding diets rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids to lactating ewes under our experimental conditions resulted in demanded changes in milk fatty acid content without causing milk fat depression or modification of other milk constituents. Milk fat was improved in unsaturated fatty acids including C18:2 c9 t11 CLA isomer without changing the milk fat concentration. The C18:2 c9 t11 concentration increased from 0.03 (FAME, %) in the control group to 0.21 and 0.12 (FAME, %) in groups receiving 3.5 and 7% RS, respectively. The diet with 7% LS also elevated the C18:2 c9 t11 level in milk from 0.04 (FAME, %) in the control group to 0.11 (FAME, %). Hence a conclusion is drawn that plant oils may be an important source of monoenic and also polyenic fatty acids in milk, however, our research and analysis of literature data indicate that results are strictly dietary and supplement-dependent.
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Nakonechnyy, Y. V., and A. R. Demurova. "FEEDING LEVEL OF PREGNANT EWES AND ITS EFFECT ON THE MILK PRODUCTION OF TUSHINO SHEEP." Scientific Life 15, no. 6 (June 30, 2020): 872–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.35679/1991-9476-2020-15-6-872-878.
Full textAbstract:
Correction of feeding in the dry period is relevant, especially in the conditions of distant mountain keeping used to keep breeds in which metabolic processes are more intensive, and, accordingly, a greater amount of nutrients should be supplied with the feed. To establish the optimal amount of nutrients in the diets required for pregnant ewes, in the conditions of the distant mountain keeping of the North Caucasus in 2018, after the end of the breeding campaign, 120 ewes of the Tushino breed were selected, going to the third lambing. They were divided into 4 groups of 30 heads per each. The ewes of the first control group received a food ration prepared in accordance with the standards of the Federal Science Centre for Animal Husbandry (2003). The diet of ewes of the second, third and fourth groups was increased in total nutritional value by 10, respectively; 15 and 20%, compared with the diet of the control group. For the entire lactation period, the average daily milk yield of the ewes of the III experimental group, who received a diet where the total nutritional value of feed was 15% higher than that of the control group, was 719.2 g, which is higher than the indicators of the ewes receiving a diet prepared according to the standards of the FSCAH. by 32.1% (P ≤ 0.001); and ewes receiving 10% more nutrients than animals of the control group by 16.1% (P ≤ 0.01) and IV experimental group receiving 20% more nutrients substances, by 5.1%. Thus, we can conclude that the increased level of feeding during the period of pregnancy contributes to an increase in the milk production of ewes by 13.8-32.1%. It was found that the optimal dose of increasing the nutritional value of the diet by 15% of the ewes showed the highest milk productivity, an increase of 20%, on the contrary, contributed to a slight decrease in milk productivity.
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Young, J. M., A. N. Thompson, M. Curnow, and C. M. Oldham. "Whole-farm profit and the optimum maternal liveweight profile of Merino ewe flocks lambing in winter and spring are influenced by the effects of ewe nutrition on the progeny's survival and lifetime wool production." Animal Production Science 51, no. 9 (2011): 821. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an10078.
Full textAbstract:
Profitability of sheep production systems in southern Australia is optimised at a stocking rate that provides adequate nutrition for breeding ewes and enables efficient utilisation of grown pasture and supplements. In this paper we used bio-economic modelling to develop optimum liveweight1 profiles for spring-lambing Merino ewes in different environments. The modelling included the impacts of the ewe liveweight profile on the production of the ewe and the survival and lifetime wool production of her progeny. Fifteen ewe liveweight profiles were analysed for each region to determine the profitability of varying ewe liveweight at joining, varying rate of loss of liveweight after joining and the rate of gain in liveweight from the minimum to lambing. The analyses support the hypotheses that whole-farm profitability is sensitive to the liveweight profile of Merino ewe flocks and that there is a liveweight profile that maximises whole-farm profit. The variation between the most and least profitable ewe liveweight profile was $69 0002 per farm ($14.30/ewe) for south-west Victoria, $51 000 per farm ($8.70/ewe) for Great Southern Western Australia and $33 300 per farm ($9.70/ewe) for southern New South Wales. The changes in profit were due to differences in costs of feeding to achieve the ewe liveweight profile and its influence on the production of both the ewes and their progeny. Failure to include the impacts of liveweight profile on progeny survival and lifetime wool production incorrectly identifies the optimum ewe liveweight profile and provided inaccurate estimates of profitability. The optimum liveweight profiles for ewes lambing in spring were similar for all three regions and insensitive to changing commodity prices, pasture productivity and management. The optimum profile was to join ewes at ~90% of the standard reference weight of the genotype, lose a small amount of weight after joining and regain weight in late pregnancy to return to the joining weight by lambing. Regaining the liveweight lost in early pregnancy by lambing is the most important target to achieve. The cost per farm of missing this liveweight target by 1 kg was $13 000 ($2.60/ewe) for south-west Victoria, $8900 ($1.45/ewe) for Great Southern Western Australia and $5500 ($1.65/ewe) for southern New South Wales. By contrast, the cost per farm of missing the joining target by 1 kg was $5500 for south-west Victoria and less than $2000 across the other two regions. Whole-farm profit increased with increasing stocking rate up to an optimum and regardless of stocking rate there is an additional opportunity to increase whole-farm profit by up to 15% by managing ewes to achieve the optimum liveweight profile. This indicates that the optimum liveweight profile should be achieved by increasing the level of grain feeding and altering the timing of utilising the farm feed resources rather than manipulating stocking rate.
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Merrell, B. G., and J. J. Hyslop. "An evaluation of molassed sugar beet feed and distillers barley dark grains as concentrate supplements for out-wintered single-bearing hill ewes during late pregnancy." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production (1972) 1994 (March 1994): 206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0308229600027501.
Full textAbstract:
Supplementing hill ewes during late pregnancy with hay plus self-help feed-blocks is an established feeding system. However, there is considerable individual and seasonal variation in feed-block intake (Lippert and Milne, 1986) which can limit their effectiveness. This experiment evaluated an alternative system for supplementing hill ewes, during late pregnancy (6 weeks before lambing), based on molassed sugar beet feed (MSBF).One hundred and eighteen single-bearing Swaledale ewes were allocated to one of two treatments; 1. Control - supplemented with hay plus feed-blocks (HB), 2. Supplemented initially with MSBF (nuts), being replaced by a blend (50:50 fresh weight basis) of MSBF and pelleted distillers barley grains (BDG) (MSBF/BDG).The experiment commenced on 18 February 1993. Hay feeding was restricted to 300 g/head/day (HB). High energy (HE) and extra high energy (EHE) feed-blocks, were offered free access (at a rate of one block per 20 ewes). MSBF and MSBF/BDG were fed at a flat rate of 375 g/head/day. HE and MSBF were fed between 18 February and 26 March, being replaced by EHE and MSBF/BDG between 27 March and 10 May. Crude protein (g/kg dry matter (DM)) and metabolisable energy (MJ/kg DM) values were 144 and 9.2; 174 and 9.4; 178 and 10.2; 108 and 12.5; 174 and 12.8 for hay, HE, EHE, MSBF and MSBF/BDG respectively. The ewes were out-wintered on hill grazings.
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Ibrahim, Hadeel K. "Effect of Feeding Feed Blocks Enriched with Different Sources of Protein on the Performance of Awassi Ewes during Late Pregnancy, Suckling and Milking Stages." Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine 32, no. 1 (June 30, 2008): 180–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.30539/iraqijvm.v32i1.778.
Full textAbstract:
Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of feeding feedblocks (FB) enriched with different sources of protein on the performance ofAwassi ewes during late pregnancy, suckling and milking stages. Experiment(1) was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding feed blocks enriched withdifferent sources of protein on the performance of Awassi ewes during latepregnancy. Eighty pregnant Awassi ewes (mean live weight 09.91±0.31 Kg),aged 3-5 years were allocated into four groups according to ewes’ live weight.First group (T1) fed ordinary high energy FB (OFB) + straw (ad-libitum). Thesecond group (T2) fed FB enriched with cottonseed meal (FBCSM) + straw (adlibitum).The third group (T3) fed FB enriched with sunflower seed meal(FBSSM) + straw (ad-libitum). The fourth group (T4) fed barley grains + straw(ad-libitum) (Farmer practice). Experiment (2) was conducted to investigate theeffect of feeding high energy feed blocks enriched with different sources ofprotein on the performance of Awassi ewes during suckling and milking stages.Sixty-four Awassi ewes (mean live weight 03.62 ±1.13 kg), aged 3-5 years wereallocated into four groups according to ewes’ live weight and milk yield. Firstgroup (T1) fed OFB + barley grains + straw (ad-libitum). The second group(T2) fed FBCSM + barley grains + straw (ad-libitum). The third group (T3)FBSSM + barley grains + straw (ad-libitum). The fourth group (T4) fed barleygrains + straw (ad-libitum) (Farmer practice). The experimental diets were fedduring the last six weeks of pregnancy, 90 days during suckling stage and 45days during milking stage. The results of Experiment 1 indicated that despite nosignificant differences between the four groups on studied traits (ewes weightchanges and lambs birth weight), but there was a trend the groups (T1, T2 andT3) fed FB performed better than group T4 fed according to the farmer’spractice. Group T2 that was fed FBCSM had slightly better performance thangroups T1, T3 and T4, which were fed OFB, FBSSM and farmer, practice dietsrespectively.
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Anderson, D., L. Anderson, D. J. Moot, and G. I. Ogle. "Integrating lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) into a high country merino system." Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association 76 (January 1, 2014): 29–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.2014.76.2951.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Farm systems in the dry sub-humid region of the Upper Waitaki predominantly graze merino ewes on extensive oversown and topdressed hill and high country. Smaller areas of flatter land are used to conserve winter forage crops, and grow supplementary feed and high quality pastures. The slow growth rate of merino lambs means they are traditionally retained on these improved pastures to finish in the following spring. In this system livestock demand peaks in the driest month of January and continues to be high through winter. Bog Roy is a farm that has changed this system and has established 200 ha of lucerne with the goal of fully feeding ewes during lactation. Pre-weaning lamb growth rate has increased from 205 to 235 g/head/day, opening the opportunity to sell heavier lambs in early January. Ewe lamb replacements are reaching heavier pre-winter live weights (38 kg versus 35 kg) and the flow-on effect is higher two-tooth scanning (129% versus 111%) and weaning (100% versus 84%). Lucerne has also improved the feeding of mixed age ewes from lambing to weaning, and lamb mortality has reduced from 30% to 21%, increasing weaning from 115% to 130%. The store production system also means livestock demand is kept low during the dry period and remains low through winter. Conserved feed is now only required for 50 days compared with 100 days in the traditional system. This has reduced supplementary feed costs from $10.33/stock unit (SU) to $4.82/SU. Shifting ewes to rotationally graze lucerne in large mobs early in the growing season has decreased the stocking rate on hill country. This has allowed cover to build during each spring with promising responses from legume species.
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Saul, Geoffrey, Gavin Kearney, and Dion Borg. "Pasture systems to improve productivity of sheep in south-western Victoria 2. Animal production from ewes and lambs." Animal Production Science 51, no. 11 (2011): 982. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an11010.
Full textAbstract:
Two pasture systems (Typical, Upgraded) were compared at five on-farm sites across south-western Victoria between 1990 and 1996. The Typical pasture treatment mimicked the pastures common in the region, with volunteer annual-based species fertilised with ~5 kg/ha.year phosphorus (P). The Upgraded pasture treatment was sown to phalaris, perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover using cultivars recommended for the particular area. Higher rates of fertiliser (13–25 kg/ha.year P) plus other nutrients were applied. Both pastures were set-stocked with breeding ewes. The stocking rate on the Typical treatments was based on normal farm practice. Initially, the stocking rate of the Upgraded pastures was 15% higher than the Typical pastures and increased over time depending if the ewes in the Upgraded pastures were heavier than those in the Typical pastures. Measurements included pasture growth, composition and persistence, ewe stocking rates, ewe and lamb liveweights and condition scores, lambing, marking and weaning percentages, fleece characteristics and supplementary feeding. Over the 6 years, the average carrying capacity of the Upgraded pastures was 18.0 DSE (Dry Sheep Equivalents)/ha compared with 10.2 DSE/ha on the Typical pastures (P < 0.001). As well, the ewes on the Upgraded pastures were 2–3 kg heavier (P < 0.001) and 0.3 condition score higher (P < 0.001) than those on the Typical pastures. Ewes grazing the Upgraded pastures cut significantly more wool per head (4.8 versus 4.5 kg) of higher micron wool (23.1 versus 22.6 um, P < 0.001) but with similar yield and strength. There was no difference in the supplementary feeding required on the treatments. Ewes grazing Upgraded pastures had significantly higher lambing (116 versus 102%), marking (86 versus 81%) and weaning percentages (84 versus 79%) and weaned significantly heavier lambs (23.6 versus 22.6 kg) than those on Typical pastures. There was less feed on offer (P < 0.05) in the Upgraded pastures compared with the Typical pastures in autumn–winter but similar or higher levels in spring and summer. Gross margins using current costs and prices were $20 and $24/DSE for the Typical and Upgraded pastures, respectively. These values were used in a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the long-term benefits of the treatments. Assuming a 12-year life for the pasture, the internal rate of return was 27% with the breakeven point in Year 7. Treatment and ewe condition score significantly influenced lambing percentage with ewes in condition score 3.0 at joining having a lambing percentage of 111% compared with 95% if at condition score 2.3. Irrespective of condition score, ewes grazing Upgraded pastures had a 7% higher lambing percentage than those grazing the Typical pastures. Ewe condition score and lambing time significantly affected weaning weight. Lambs born to ewes in condition score 2.3 during pregnancy and lambing in autumn, reached only 32% of mature ewe liveweight at weaning whereas lambs from ewes at condition score 3.0 achieved 51% of mature weight by weaning.