The effect of herbage allowance on herbage intake and performance of ewes and their twin lambs grazing perennial ryegrass

1978 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Gibb ◽  
T. T. Treacher
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Lamb Growth ◽  
Positive Effect

SUMMARYThe effect of herbage allowance on the intake and performance of Scottish Half bred ewes with twin lambs was investigated over the first 16 weeks of lactation. Herbage allowances were defined as g herbage D.M./kg live weight (LW)/day, and were maintained by provision of fresh areas of ungrazed sward each day.Herbage allowances in the range 25–120 g D.M./kg LW/day were offered on an area of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. S. 23). Parturition was synchronized and ewes and lambs were turned out to pasture 1 day after lambing.Measurements were made of the herbage intake, live-weight change and milk yield of ewes, of lamb growth rates and of the herbage intake of lambs from 10 weeks of age.Herbage allowance had a significant linear effect on intakes of grass by ewes and lambs. The highest intakes by the ewes were achieved during the second week, and were in the range 23–43 g OM/kg LW/day. Intakes declined, as lactation proceeded, to 19–29 g OM/kg LW/day at week 12. Intakes of lambs were similar in weeks 10 and 12 and were in the range 17–24 g OM/kg LW/day. Allowance had a significant effect on live-weight change of the ewes after the first month and upon final body condition.There was no effect of allowance on milk yield until week 6. Mean milk yields were 2·3 kg/day at day 14, 1·0–1·5 kg/day at day 42 and 0·7–1·1 kg/day at day 84. There was a positive effect of allowance on growth rates of the lambs after the first month. Mean overall growth rates to 84 days of age were 175–243 g/day.

Herbage intake and performance of grazing ewes and of their lambs when weaned at 6, 8, 10 or 14 weeks of age

1981 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Gibb ◽  
T. T. Treacher ◽  
V. S. Shanmugalingam
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Body ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Body Components ◽  
And Performance

ABSTRACTTwin lambs grazing with their dams at herbage allowances of 30 or 60 gdry matter per kg live weight per day (low and high, respectively) were weaned at 6, 8, 10 or 14 weeks of age. After weaning, the lambs were given a herbage allowance of 160 g dry matter per kg live weight per day.Ewes on the low allowance ate less herbage, produced less milk and lost more weight than those on the high allowance. The lambs on the low allowance were lighter at weaning than those on the high allowance (137 v. 168, 16·2 v. 20·5, 17·9 v. 24·2 and 21·9 v. 30·4 kg at 6, 8, 10 and 14 weeks respectively).Lambs weaned from ewes on the low allowance grew more slowly than the unweaned lambs when removed at 6 weeks, but not when weaned at 8 and 10 weeks of age. Weaning lambs from ewes on the high allowance reduced their growth rates at all weaning ages, despite the weaned lambs being grazed at an allowance which would not limit their intake of herbage. The intake of herbage per unit live weight by weaned lambs reached its maximum at approximately 8 weeks of age. After weaning, intake was higher for lambs from ewes on the low allowance than for those on the high allowance (38 v. 33 g organic matter per kg live weight per day). Lambs slaughtered at 17 weeks of age were heavier from the high allowance than from the low allowance. However, after 17 weeks of age the remaining lambs from the low allowance grew more rapidly than those from the high allowance, and when slaughtered at 25 weeks of age had similar weights. Treatments had no effect on the weights of the body components or carcass dimensions independent of their effect on empty-body weights at slaughter.

scholarly journals e-Cow: an animal model that predicts herbage intake, milk yield and live weight change in dairy cows grazing temperate pastures, with and without supplementary feeding

animal ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 980-993 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Baudracco ◽  
N. Lopez-Villalobos ◽  
C.W. Holmes ◽  
E.A. Comeron ◽  
K.A. Macdonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Temperate Pastures

Liveweight gain of weaned lambs grazing swards increasing, decreasing or at constant surface heights.

1987 ◽  
Vol 1987 ◽  
pp. 39-39
Author(s):  
J.M. Doney ◽  
J. A. Milne ◽  
I.R. White ◽  
Mary Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Milk Supply ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Rates Of Growth ◽  
Lamb Growth

During the early grazing season, when a high proportion of the lambs nutrient requirements are supplied by milk, high rates of growth can be achieved by sward management which maintains a constant surface height (3-5.5 cm) (Maxwell, Lloyd and Dickson, 1985). In late lactation, increasing herbage Intake rarely compensates for reduced milk supply and lamb growth rates are commonly lower than could be achieved with concentrate diets (Doney et al, 1984; Lloyd et al 1987). Lamb growth in this period may be related to increase or decrease of sward height (Alcock, Clark and Harvey, 1986; Maxwell, Lloyd and Dickson, 1985) or to changes in herbage growth rate (Doney, Smith, Sim and White, 1986). The present study investigated the effect on daily live-weight gain (DLWG) in weaned lambs of herbage growth rate (HGR) and pattern of sward height (SH) change when varied independently.

An evaluation of the effects of incisor dentition and of age on the performance of lactating ewes and their lambs

1991 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Dove ◽  
J. A. Milne
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Lamb Growth ◽  
Effect Of Age

AbstractNinety-six Border Leicester × Scottish Blackface ewes, aged 2 to 6 years, grazed perennial ryegrass pastures during lactation. The state of their incisor teeth was assessed at parturition on a scale from score 1 (sound teeth) to score 4 (poor teeth). Their live weights and condition scores during lactation were then related to incisor score and age by regression analysis. Lamb growth was similarly analysed. Herbage intakes and milk production were measured in a subset of 24 ewes.Ewe live weights were significantly lower, per unit incisor score, by 2·2, 2·5 and 2·1 kg at days 22, 50 and 96 of lactation respectively. In ewes with twin lambs, the equivalent reductions were 1·6, 2·8 and 2·1 kg respectively. Reductions in condition score, whilst still significant, were less marked. After adjusting for the effects of incisor dentition, there was no effect of age on ewe live weight or condition score.Incisor dentition did not markedly affect herbage intake or milk production, except in measurements at day 53 of lactation, where higher incisor scores resulted in significant reductions in the production of milk and its components. Effects on lamb performance were confined to twins, where live-weight gain to day 50 was reduced by 12·2 g/day, per unit increase in ewe incisor score. This resulted in reductions of 0·7 kg (day 50) and 0·9 kg (weaning) in the live weight of twin lambs.

Lactation performance, herbage intake and lamb growth of Scottish Blackface and East Friesland × Scottish Blackface ewes grazing hill or improved pasture

1983 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Doney ◽  
J. N. Peart ◽  
W. F. Smith ◽  
D. A. Sim
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
First Year ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Daily Milk Production ◽  
Lamb Growth ◽  
Daily Milk

ABSTRACTScottish Blackface (BF) and East Friesland × Scottish Blackface (EFX) ewes rearing single or twin lambs grazed for 14 weeks of lactation on two different pasture types in two consecutive years. Mean daily milk production, live-weight change and herbage intake of the ewes and live-weight gain of the lambs were measured each week.In the first year the ewes grazed a ryegrass/clover sward. There were significant differences in milk production associated with breed of ewe and number of lambs reared. Peak yields, achieved in the 3rd or 4th week, reached 2·25, 2·5 and 3·25 kg/day for BF ewes with a single lamb and EFX ewes with single or twin lambs, respectively. Corresponding yields in the 14th week were 0·5, 1·35 and 1·15 kg/day. Live weight of ewes in all groups declined during the first 2 weeks but recovered by week 6. Herbage intake increased in all groups until the 8th week and then declined much more rapidly in the BF than in the EFX ewes. Lamb growth was related to milk intake to give weaning weights of 31·5, 39·0 and 29·0 kg, respectively.In the second year, when ewes grazed a hill pasture dominated by an AgrostislFestuca community, differences in milk production, though significant, were smaller than in the previous year. Peak yields were 2·1, 2·25, 2·25 and 3·1 kg/day, respectively, for BF ewes with single or twin lambs and EFX ewes with single or twin lambs. At 14 weeks, yields had fallen to between 0·6 and 1·0 kg/day. The patterns of live-weight change and food intake were similar to those in the previous year. The EFX ewes consumed more food than BF ewes throughout lactation, particularly in the second half. Lamb growth rate was again related to milk supply and was lower than in the previous year. Weaning weights were 31·0, 25·5, 34·5 and 27·0 kg for single or twin lambs reared by BF or EFX ewes, respectively.

scholarly journals Buğdaygil ve Baklagil -Buğdaygil Karışımı Meraların Süt İneklerinin Verim Performansı ve Sütün Bileşimine Etkileri

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Numan Kılıçalp ◽  
Mustafa Avcı ◽  
Hatice Hızlı ◽  
Rüştü Hatipoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Protein Yield ◽  
First Year ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Grazing Period

This research was conducted to determine forage yield, chemical composition, milk yield and milk composition in dairy cattle grazing on pasture established with species and mixtures of Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, Bastion,PR), Orchardgrass(Dactylis glometata, Pizza,OG) and White clover(Trifolium repens, Huia,WC). In this research conducted for two years, the grazing experiment was carried out according to a change over trial design. For this purpose, a total of 6 Holstein Friesian cows (at the 2nd lactation and with an average of 520 ± 26 kg live weight) were used for two periods, each of which consisted of 30 days (8 days of adaptation and 22 days of the basis period). The milk nutritional composition of the animals (dry matter, fat and protein content) was determined in the last three days in the last five consecutive days of each lactation period. The acid detergent fiber (ADF) content of pasture obtained from Perennial ryegrass + White clover mixture (PRWC) was found to be lower than that obtained from the other two (PR and OG) pasture and Net Energy Lactation (NEL) content was found higher in the first grazing period in the first year. However, the effect of the investigated pastures on milk yield was not significant, but it was found that the effects on milk protein yield in the first year and dry matter of milk in the second year were significant. In the first year of grazing period, milk yield, milk fat yield and protein yield were found to be significant. The results of this study showed that under these operating conditions, the botanical composition of the pasture had no effect on the amount and composition of the milk, but the milk yield decreased as the vegetation period advanced.

scholarly journals Ewe reproductive performance and growth rate of suckling-lambs on endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass pasture

1999 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
R.H. Watson ◽  
R.G. Keogh ◽  
M.F. Mcdonald
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
One Year ◽  
Lamb Growth

Two groups (n=39) of Romney breeding ewes were maintained under the same grazing management on either endophyte-infected (E+) or endophytefree (E-) perennial ryegrass pasture for two years (1997-1998) following a one-year equilibration period. The ewes were naturally mated in March each year and ovulation rate at 1st mating was measured, and conception and the number of lambs born and weaned were recorded. All ewes were weighed monthly and lamb growth rates were determined between birth and weaning. Mean mating date was delayed by 1.8 days (P

Value for milk production of artificially dried forages as cobs and pellets

1972 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Milne ◽  
E. F. Thomson ◽  
R. C. Campling
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Significant Positive Effect ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Milk Solids ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Basal Ration

SUMMARYTwo experiments were conducted to compare the milk-producing value of dried forages in the form of cobs and pellets as replacements for a standard dairy concentrate. Four levels (0·33, 0·44, 0·55 and 0·66 kg/kg milk) of dried forage or standard dairy concentrate were offered in addition to a basal ration of 6 kg hay and 2 kg standard dairy concentrate. In both experiments the rate of eating by the cows of cobs was significantly slower (P<0·05) than that of pellets. No significant difference was found between the cobs and pellets in either experiment in their value for milk production. In Experiment 2 the standard dairy concentrate had a non-significantly higher (P>0·05) milk-producing value than the dried lucerne. Level of feeding had a significant positive effect on the milk yield (P< 0·001) of cows offered the dried grass and lucerne and on the milk solids- not-fat content (P<0·05) and live weight (P<0·01) of cows offered the dried grass, lucerne and standard dairy concentrate.

Herbage characteristics of perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot, tall fescue and timothy pastures and their relationship with animal performance under upland conditions

1982 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Davies ◽  
T. E. H. Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
The Other ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Grass Species

SUMMARYHerbage characteristics of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) pastures were obtained whilst rotationally grazed by ewes and their single lambs at a fixed stocking rate of 25/ha on an upland site (305 m O.D.) in mid-Wales. Drymatter production of cocksfoot averaged 32·1 kg/ha/day over the 3-year duration of the trial (1975·7) and was 13·3 kg/ha/day lower than that of the other three grass species. This resulted in a 8 kg/ha/day reduction in dry-matter intake on cocksfoot; this was significantly lower (P < 0·05) than that achieved on the other grasses, which were similar to one another around 36 kg/ha/day.In vitro digestibility of the herbage ranked in the order perennial ryegrass > timothy = cocksfoot > tall fescue. Intake of digestible organic matter (DOMI) was lower on cocksfoot than on perennial ryegrass and timothy. Differences were also detected in crude protein, water-soluble carbohydrates and sodium composition between species.Dry-matter intake was positively correlated with herbage growth rates (r = 0·95, P < 0·001) but not to digestibility of herbage on offer (r = 0·18). Both ewe and lamb live-weight gains were positively related to intake of dry matter and DOMI.Reference is made to comparative yield data between the grasses obtained under cutting trials. In the 2nd and 3rd harvest years (1967–1967) growth rates in the grazing experiment were 76, 61, 81 and 80% of the 66·2, 66·7, 67·8 and 65·0 kg D.M./ha/day obtained under a cutting regime on perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot, tall fescue and timothy swards respectively. This illustrates the danger involved in assessing the potential of grasses based on such information.The results are discussed in relation to the value of the species for use under grazing in the uplands.

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