The effect of level of nutrition during pregnancy and during lactation on lamb and wool production of grazing sheep

1950 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. E. Coop
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Grazing Sheep ◽  
High Level

Seven different experiments over 3 years and involving a total of 1750 ewes have been designed to study the effects of high and low levels of nutrition during pregnancy and during lactation on grazing sheep. The trials were run as nearly as possible under typical fat-lamb producing conditions. Commencing with breeding ewes in average store condition before tupping, a live-weight gain of 25–40 lb. from tupping to lambing was adopted as a standard of a high level of feeding and a gain of ± 5 lb. was considered to be a low level of feeding. Differential feeding was obtained by keeping the ewes on high-quality pasture as a high level of nutrition, and by stocking heavily on poor pasture as a low level. Under these conditions the following results were obtained:(1) Level of nutrition during pregnancy. The high level of nutrition during pregnancy increased birth weight by about 0.5 lb., but had little if any influence on the rate of growth and the weaning weight of the lambs, irrespective of the subsequent level of nutrition. The high level did not reduce ewe and lamb mortality and there was some evidence to the contrary when the high plane was applied early, leading to large live-weight gain.

591. The outdoor rearing of calves on grass with special reference to growth rate and grazing behaviour

1955 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. B. Roy ◽  
K. W. G. Shillam ◽  
June Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Pasture Grass ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Permanent Pasture ◽  
Whole Milk ◽  
High Level

1. Five Dairy Shorthorn male calves born in February and March 1953 and three groups of four born in each of the months February, March and April 1954 were placed out of doors on permanent pasture at birth.2. Each calf received 6 or 8 pt. colostrum followed by approximately 45 gal. whole milk during the first 8 weeks of life, and thereafter, except for a small amount of dried grass given in Exp. 1, pasture grass comprised the sole item of diet until 6 months of age.3. Mean growth rates for each month of life and from birth to 6 months are presented. After the first month of life, good progress was made, and it is considered that the live weights at 6 months of age are similar to those obtained with conventional methods of rearing.4. There was a significant effect of birth weight on live-weight gain. After adjustment for birth weight, there were no significant differences in live-weight gain between February, March and April-born groups of calves.5. Weather conditions seemed to have little effect on the incidence of scouring during the first 3 weeks of life.6. On leys, greater weight gains were obtained than on permanent pasture.7. No lungworm larvae were detected in faeces samples examined. In many cases there was a high level of infestation with stomach and intestinal worms as indicated by the number of trichostrongyle eggs/g. faeces. Some aspects of this infestation are discussed.8. Satisfactory growth to 18 months of age was obtained with silage during the 6-month winter period and at grass during the following spring and summer.9. Details of behaviour of the five calves in Exp. 1 studied at approximately monthly intervals to 6 months of age are presented.

Comparison of the productivity of Texel and Rouge de l’Ouest ewes and their crosses

2002 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. E. R. Dawson ◽  
A. F. Carson ◽  
L. O. W. McClinton
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Lamb Growth ◽  
Average Figure

AbstractAn experiment was undertaken to compare the productivity of crossbred ewes, produced by crossing Texel sires with Rouge de l’Ouest (Rouge) dams and Rouge sires with Texel dams, relative to purebred Texel and Rouge ewes. The purebred and crossbred ewes were crossed with Rouge and Texel sires. The proportion of productive ewes was similar in the purebred and crossbred ewes with an average figure of 0·92. Irrespective of crossing sire, Rouge ewes produced 0·48 more lambs per ewe lambed than Texel ewes (P < 0·001). The two crossbred ewe types (Texel ✕ Rouge and Rouge ✕ Texel) each produced similar numbers of lambs (on average 1·92 lambs per ewe lambed). Individual heterosis values for ewe fertility and prolificacy were small and not significant (–1·67 for the proportion of productive ewes and –3·14 for the number of lambs born per ewe lambed). Maternal heterosis values were also not significant but were of larger magnitude (6·26 for ewe fertility and 3·12 for prolificacy). Lamb mortality (number of lambs born dead per ewe lambed) at birth was similar for purebred Rouge (0·44) and Texel (0·30) ewes and was significantly reduced by crossbred matings and mating the crossbred ewes (individual heterosis –30·68, P < 0·10; maternal heterosis –80·23, P < 0·001). Individual and maternal heterosis values for lamb growth rate from birth to six weeks were 8 (P < 0·05) and 4 (P > 0·05) respectively. Lamb growth rate from birth to weaning was significantly lower in lambs from Texel ewes compared with those from the other genotypes (P < 0·05). Individual and maternal heterosis values for live-weight gain from birth to weaning were 5 (P < 0·10) and 5 (P < 0·01). The results of the current study demonstrate the superior performance of purebred Rouge ewes compared with purebred Texel ewes in terms of prolificacy and lamb growth rate from birth to weaning. However, both breeds had high lamb mortality at birth. Crossbreeding led to the production of hybrid ewes which had relatively high prolificacy with low levels of dystocia and lamb mortality.

scholarly journals Some Environmental Factors Affecting Birth Weight, Weaning Weight and Daily Live Weight Gain of Holstein Calves

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (7) ◽  
pp. 617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erdal Yaylak ◽  
Hikmet Orhan ◽  
Alim Daşkaya
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
Holstein Calves

The present study was conducted to determine some environmental factors affecting birth weight, weaning weight and daily live weight gain of Holstein calves of a livestock facility in Izmir, Turkey. The data on 2091 calves born between the years 2005-2010 were used to assess the relevant parameters. Effects of calving year, calving month, calf gender and the interaction between calving year and calving month on calves’ birth weights were highly significant. The overall mean of birth weights was 39.6±0.15 kg. In addition, effects of calving year, calving month, gender, birth weight, weaning age, calving year x calving month, calving year x gender and calving year x calving month x gender interactions on weaning weight (WW) and daily live weight gain (DLWG) were highly significant. The overall means of WW and DLWG were respectively found to be 79.7±0.20 kg and 525±2.5 g. A one kilogram increase in birth weight resulted in an increase of 0.89 kg in weaning weight and a decrease of 1.26 g in daily live weight gain. Prenatal temperature-humidity index (THI) affected birth weight of calves (R2=0.67). Increasing THI from 50 to 80 resulted in 3.8 kg decrease in birth weight.

The influences of nutrition and management on the growth of red deer calves from weaning to 16 months of age

1987 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 511-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Milne ◽  
Angela M. Sibbald ◽  
Heather A. McCormack ◽  
A. S. I. Loudon
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
High Level ◽  
Weight Compensation ◽  
Summer Grazing

ABSTRACTThe effects of date of weaning, weaning live weight, autumn grazing management and level and pattern of winter nutrition in relation to summer grazing on the live-weight gain of farmed red deer calves to 16 months of age were tested in three experiments.In experiment 1, the effect of two weaning live weights (37 and 46 kg) in September and two levels of autumn and winter nutrition were examined with 48 calves. In October, live-weight gains were positively related to sward height and herbage mass. The calves lost live weight in November. Compensatory live-weight gains of 28 g/day occurred at summer pasture after the low level of winter nutrition. Weaning live weight had a major influence on live weight at 16 months of age.In experiment 2, the effects of maintenance, ad libitum and intermediate treatments were compared using 50 calves given a complete diet in winter. The intermediate treatment consisted of a maintenance followed by an ad libitum level of feeding. Compensatory live-weight gains of 49 g/day occurred at pasture with the intermediate treatment achieving complete live-weight compensation at 16 months of age.In experiment 3, the effect of two weaning dates (19 September and 14 November) on live-weight gain of calves and on the date of subsequent calving of hinds were compared with 34 lactating hinds. There was no difference in live-weight gain of calves between weaning dates but the subsequent calving date was delayed by 8 days from those hinds weaning in November.A management system is advocated with weaning in September, housing in November after grazing sown swards greater than 6 cm, a pattern of a low followed by a high level of nutrition in winter and the summer grazing of sown swards maintained at 4 to 6 cm.

Effect of rationing grass on the growth rate of dairy heifers and on output per acre, with a note on its significance in experimental design

1963 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. H. Broster ◽  
Valerie J. Tuck ◽  
C. C. Balch
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Maximum Output ◽  
Flowering Stage ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Point Level

1. A series of three experiments were performed to examine grass as a food for dairy heifers.2. Indoor feeding resulted in lower intakes of herbage and slower growth but gave greater outputs per acre of animal days and live-weight gain than grazing.3. The maximum consumption and growth rate, obtained on young grass, were 2·84 lb. herbage dry matter per 100 lb. live weight per day and 2·2 lb. live-weight gain per day for grazing stock. The corresponding figures for indoor feeding were 2·49 lb. herbage dry matter per 100 lb. per day and 1·34 lb. live weight gain per day.4. Live-weight gain per day was linearly related to herbage dry matter intake from 1·48 to 2·48 lb./ 100 lb. live weight/day.5. Intake of herbage and growth rate only fell after the herbage came into full flower.6. Increased stocking rate had small effects on growth rate because the animals grazed the paddocks more heavily.7. 2·6–3·0 lb. grass dry matter offered per 100 lb. live weight per day was judged an adequate ration for yearling heifers. This gave growth rates of 1·60 lb./day on herbage up to the flowering stage and a consumption of 88% of the available herbage.8. As an experimental technique zero grazing was found inadequate to replace grazing since it fails to reproduce similar intakes and rates of production. It permitted the reduction of intake to sufficiently low levels that live-weight gain per animal and per acre were reduced.9. The greatest output per acre was found to occur between limits of intake per day of 1·8–2·4 lb. herbage dry matter per 100 lb. live weight. Above the point of maximum output per acre level of feeding had little effect on production per animal and rate of stocking controlled output per acre. Below this point level of feeding controlled production per animal. The case is advanced that these latter levels of feeding are necessary in grassland experiments.

Levels of first winter feeding in relation to performance of Cheviot hill ewes. I. Body growth and development during treatment period

1964 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Gunn
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Treatment Period ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Body Growth ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Maximum Gain ◽  
Low Level ◽  
North And South ◽  
Different Levels

1. Over 3 years, different levels of first winter nutrition were imposed on groups of North and South Country Cheviot ewe hoggs (lambs). In 1956–57, three levels, high, mid and low, were fed indoors. In 1957-58, only two levels, high and mid, were fed indoors, with the low level being represented by hill wintering. In 1958–59, two levels were represented by away wintering and hill wintering.2. Low-plane feeding was designed to simulate average hill wintering, creating a 10% loss in live weight. Mid-plane feeding was designed to maintain live weight at approximately the same level throughout the winter. High-plane feeding was designed to produce a live-weight gain of 15–20% in 1956–57 and the maximum gain possible in 1957–58.

An evaluation of pasture quality with young grazing sheep. I. Live-weight growth and clean wool production

1966 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Gallagher ◽  
B. R. Watkin ◽  
R. C. Grimes
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Weight Growth ◽  
Pasture Quality

1. In a grazing trial with sheep, cocksfoot, ryegrass and tall fescue were grown with and without white clover, under ‘short’ and ‘long’ management systems, and also white clover.2. Live weights were recorded every 2-3 weeks, and wool production was estimated by clipping midside patches every month.3. Sheep on grass plus clover plots were significantly superior to sheep on grass plots in terms of live-weight gain, final live weight and clean-wool production.4. Sheep on ‘long’ pastures were significantly heavier than sheep on ‘short’ pastures for a month in the early part of the trial. Thereafter, differences in live weight were not significant.

Castration experiments with Yugoslav Simmental cattle. I. The effect of castration on growth and live-weight gains

1968 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Čobić
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Concentrate Mixture ◽  
Digestible Crude Protein ◽  
Simmental Cattle ◽  
Fattening Period ◽  
High Level

1. Bulls and steers of the Yugoslav Simmental breed (38 in total) were reared and fattened to 470 kg live weight. Half received a moderate level of feeding to 8 months of age and half a high level of feeding over this period; all were fed on a high level from 8 months to slaughter, their diet involving a concentrate mixture, lucerne hay and maize silage.2. At slaughter weight, steers were 2·5% higher at withers than bulls, but other body measurements showed no significant difference.3. Castrates needed a 3 to 8% longer fattening period depending on the feeding treatment.4. Castration reduced the rate of live-weight gain by 4·9% over the whole rearing and fattening period, and by 8·0% over the fattening period only.5. Bulls had better feed conversion ratios overall. Steers consumed more starch units per kg of live-weight gain—8·1% more over the whole rearing and fattening period and 9·8% over the fattening period. Consumption of digestible crude protein was also higher in steers.6. The detrimental effect of castration was more strongly expressed on the HH feeding treatment. An increase in the concentration of the rations did not improve food conversion ratios.

The effects on production efficiency of oleandomycin and oxytetracycline fed at low levels in the diet of heavy pigs

1962 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Vernon ◽  
E. A. Mercer ◽  
G. D. Rosen
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
East Anglia ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Low Levels

Results are presented of an investigation involving 328 pigs on 7 farms in East Anglia, on the effect of oxytetracycline (10 g./ton), oleandomycin (2·5 g./ton) and oxytetracycline (10 g./ton) plus oleandomycin (2·5 g./ton), on the live-weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion efficiency of pigs from weaning to slaughter at approximately 260 lb. live-weight. Effects on number of days from weaning to slaughter and carcass characteristics are also given.Both antibiotics gave significant improvements in daily live-weight gain (5·4% for OTC and 4·0% for OM) and feed conversion efficiency (3·9% for OTC and 2·3% for OM). There was a significant negative interaction between the antibiotics on live-weight gain from weaning to slaughter.The average number of days from weaning to slaughter was significantly reduced by both antibiotics (5·8 days for OTC and 5·4 days for OM) and there was a significant interaction between antibiotics.Feed conversion efficiency for all pigs was significantly better on those farms where antibiotics had not previously been used but the antibiotic treatment effects were the same in both categories of farm studied.

The effects of winter nutrition on the subsequent live-weight performance and intake of herbage by beef cattle

1981 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret M. Wanyoike ◽  
W. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feeding Period ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Average Intake ◽  
Low Rate

SUMMARYThirty-six Friesian and Friesian cross-bred cattle about 11 months old were fed to grow at the rates of 0·50 (low) and 1·08 (high) kg/day in a 12-week winter feeding period and then turned out on high quality pasture. For 12 weeks after turning out the ‘low’ and ‘high’ animals gained weight at 1·17 and 0·90 kg/day respectively. There was a negative correlation (– 0·57, P < 0·01) between winter and grazing live-weight gain.On two occasions herbage intake was estimated. Average intake of ‘low’ animals was 12% higher than of ‘high’ animals although herbage digestibility, estimated from faecal N, was similar for the two treatments. Differences in live-weight gain on pasture between treatments were largely accounted for by differences in intake.The low rate of winter growth did not have any significant effects on age at slaughter, carcass weights or grades attained by the restricted animals.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document