A comparison of chopped/un-chopped big bale silage, pit silage and hay when offered with concentrates to twin bearing ewes

1999 ◽  
Vol 1999 ◽  
pp. 129-129
Author(s):  
T.F. Crosby ◽  
P.J. Quinn ◽  
J.J. Callan ◽  
B. Flynn ◽  
J.V. O'Doherty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Beet Pulp ◽  
Terminal Sire

Big bale silage has become increasingly popular on many livestock farms in Ireland yet there is limited information on its use for sheep. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of feeding chopped or unchopped big bale silage, pit silage and hay when supplemented with either a barley or a molassed sugar beet pulp based concentrate when fed to ewes in late pregnancy on feed intake, ewe weight and body condition score changes, gestation length, lamb birth weight and colostrum yield.Sixty four mature lowland cross ewes (8/treatment) were oestrus synchronised in October and mated to terminal sire breeds (Suffolk, Texel or Charollais). The ewes were housed, winter shorn and pregnancy scanned in December, following which twin bearing animals were allocated to a 4 x 2 factorial experiment and individually fed either un-chopped or chopped big bale silage which had been wilted for 36-48 hours as is usual for this type of forage, pit silage, which had been wilted for 18-24 hours or hay.

A comparison of hay and silage with concentrates for twin bearing ewes

1997 ◽  
Vol 1997 ◽  
pp. 180-180
Author(s):  
J.D. Carty ◽  
P.J. Quinn ◽  
J.V. O'Doherty ◽  
J.J. Callan ◽  
B. Flynn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Citrus Pulp ◽  
Relative Information ◽  
Beet Pulp ◽  
By Products

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.

scholarly journals Body condition status at mating affects gestation length, offspring yield and return rate in ewes

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-228
Author(s):  
Mehmet Akif Cam ◽  
Ali Vaiz Garipoglu ◽  
Koray Kirikci
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Fat Body ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Return Rate ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Condition Score

Abstract. The present study was planned to determine the effect of ewe body condition score (BCS) and parities on fertility, return rate, gestation length, fecundity, litter size and lamb birth weight. Data were collected from 284 heads of ewes with first to fifth parity and raised at a state farm for three consecutive (2002–2004) years. Teaser rams were used to monitor estrus twice daily in the morning and in the evening from September to October. BCSs and body weights (BWs) were recorded at mating and postpartum. The ewes, at mating time in breeding season and within first 6 h after the expulsion of fetal membranes, were divided into four groups on the basis of their BCS: thin (BCS = ≤ 2.0; n=70; 38), medium (BCS = 2.5–3.0; n=122; 142), fat (BCS = 3.5–4.0; n=72; 59) and very fat (BCS = ≥ 4.5; n= 20;17). BCSs and BWs of ewes at postpartum were highly correlated with lamb birth weight (R=0.486, P < 0.01, and R=0.130, P < 0.05, respectively). BCSs and BWs of ewes at postpartum had positive effects on lamb birth weight (Y=3.43 ± 0.10 + 0.130 + 0.047 ewe body condition score (EBCS), P < 0.01; Y= 2.92 ± 0.42 + 0.018 ± 0.009 ewe body weight (EBW), P < 0.05 kg of lamb birth weight per BCS and kilogram of ewe live weight, respectively). The fertility rate, litter size and fecundity were higher in the medium and fat groups than thin and very fat groups (χ2= 10.607, P < 0.01). The BW and BCS at postpartum affected gestation length positively (P < 0.05). Return rate or number of coitus for conception were higher (P < 0.05) in thin and very fat groups than medium and fat groups. The data revealed that the ewes with medium and fat body condition (BCS = 2.5–4.0) scores were profitable.

Insulin sensitivity and fetal growth in ewes maintained in a moderate body condition compared with a lean body condition in late pregnancy

1997 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 753 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. McNeill ◽  
R.W. Kelly ◽  
I. H. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Insulin Response ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Similar Rate ◽  
Similar Amount ◽  
Fat Reserves ◽  
Exogenous Glucose ◽  
Condition Score

The possibility that an increase in maternal fatness might further enhance pregnancy-induced insulin insensitivity was investigated in ewes pregnant with one fetus. After selection of fat and lean ewes, they were fed to maintain maternal energy balance throughout pregnancy. A difference in insulin sensitivity of ewes in either a medium condition [score 2·9, 0·32± 0·031 kg fat/kg fat-free empty body (FFBW), n = 7] or lean body condition (score 2·0, 0·16±0.028 kg fat/kg FFBW, n = 8) at Day 136 of pregnancy was inferred by comparing their insulin response to an injection of glucose (350 mg/kg liveweight). The ewes were slaughtered at Day 146 of pregnancy to allow fetal weight, fetal fatness, and maternal fatness to be related to the capacity of the ewe to release insulin. The fatter ewes released more insulin in response to the injection of glucose (2. 54 log area units under the insulin response curve v. 2·22 for the lean ewes, pooled s.e. = 0·092, P < 0·05), yet cleared the glucose from their blood streams at the same rate as the leaner ewes. Because the fat ewes required more insulin to remove a similar amount of exogenous glucose at a similar rate to the lean ewes, we suggest that the fat ewes were less sensitive to insulin. Further, the fetuses of the fatter ewes, while not different in total weight, had higher levels of body fat than those of the leaner ewes (29·4 v. 23·8 g/kg FFBW, pooled s.e. r = 1·32, P < 0·05). Fetal fatness was also positively correlated to the magnitude of insulin release by the ewe (r = 0·61, P < 0·05). Since glucose is the major precursor of fetal fat, these data support our contention that a reduction in maternal insulin sensitivity, brought on by an increase in maternal fatness, could partition more glucose to the fetus. If fat reserves aid lamb survival, lambs from fat ewes rather than lean ewes may have a better chance of survival, particularly in cold conditions.

Maternal fatness influences fetal size in ewes underfed in late pregnancy

1999 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. McNeill ◽  
R. W. Kelly ◽  
I. H. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Tritiated Water ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Fat Reserves ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Fetal Size ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Energy Maintenance ◽  
Water Dilution

The effect of ewe fatness on fetal weight at term in ewes underfed in late pregnancy was tested by minimising the confounding effect of differences between fatness groups in placental weight. Twin-bearing Merino ewes in a fat (n = 9, condition score 3.8 units) or moderate (n =9, condition score 2.9) body condition were underfed to 0.6 of their requirements for energy maintenance from Day 108 to 144 of pregnancy. The fatness groups were developed over an 80-day period prior to mating by splitting a flock into 2 groups, each of similar mean liveweight and body condition score, and then enhancing the nutrient intake of one whilst restricting that of the other to maintenance levels until mating. After mating, both groups were fed similarly until Day 108 of pregnancy in an attempt to allow the development of placentas of a similar size in each. Maternal fat and protein mobilised between Day 108 and 144 of pregnancy were calculated on a per animal basis as the difference between maternal fat and protein weights at Day 108, estimated by the tritiated water dilution technique, and at Day 144, estimated by chemical analysis of fat and protein tissue following slaughter. At slaughter, the fat ewes had placentas of a size similar to those of the leaner ewes (588 v. 507 g, pooled s.e. = 50.7, P > 0.10) but produced a total weight of fetus that was 14% heavier (6646 v. 5826 g, pooled s.e. = 257.6, P < 0.05). The fat ewes also mobilised more body fat between Day 108 and 144 (3.62 v. 2.58 kg, pooled s.e. = 0.446, P < 0.10), and maintained higher levels of non-esterified fatty acids in their plasma during late pregnancy. There was no effect of ewe fatness on the extent of protein mobilisation (0.66 v. 0.62 kg, pooled s.e. = 0.623, P > 0.10) over late pregnancy. We conclude that additional maternal fat reserves can limit the extent to which fetal growth is restricted in ewes undernourished during late pregnancy.

scholarly journals Effects on maternal and foetal traits of feeding supplement to grazing pregnant ewes

1998 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 667-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Frutos ◽  
O. Buratovich ◽  
F. J. Giràldez ◽  
A. R. Mantecòn ◽  
I. A. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Uterine Wall ◽  
Fat Reserves ◽  
Large Fluctuations ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Fat Depot ◽  
Grass Growth

AbstractThirty single-bearing Merino ewes were used to examine the effect of feeding supplement, from 91 to 140 days of gestation, on changes in chemical composition of the ewes, on the relationships with live weight and body condition score and on the foetus. Ewes grazed a perennial ryegrass pasture and were offered either no supplement or 500 g per head per day of a concentrate supplement from days 30 to 90 and (or) from days 91 to 140 of pregnancy. Maternal carcass and non-carcass components, uterine wall, foetus and placenta plus cotyledons were chemically analysed. Live weight (LW) and body condition score (BCS) on day 140 were both affected by supplementation during late pregnancy, mobilization of protein and fat being lower in animals receiving supplement. BCS accounted for more variation than LW in the carcass fat depot. Because this depot was the most important source of energy from days 91 to 140 of gestation, this suggests that BCS is a useful estimator of mobilization of maternal fat reserves during this stage of pregnancy. The ability to mobilize reserves and protect foetal growth by Merino ewes in southern Europe, where large fluctuations in grass growth rate exposes them to considerable undernutrition as pregnancy proceeds, was confirmed in this experiment. However, when the nutritional regime is extreme, supplementary feeding to the ewes is recommended, in order to make the whole system economically profitable.

Use of beet pulp as a replacement for barley grain to manage body condition score in over-conditioned late lactation cows

2009 ◽  
Vol 153 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 60-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Mahjoubi ◽  
H. Amanlou ◽  
D. Zahmatkesh ◽  
M. Ghelich Khan ◽  
N. Aghaziarati
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Beet Pulp

scholarly journals Glucose and insulin curve in pregnant mares and its relationship with clinical and biometric features of newborn foals

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 764-770
Author(s):  
Mariana A. Mousquer ◽  
Amanda B. Pereira ◽  
Ilusca S. Finger ◽  
Helen C. Franz ◽  
Aníbal J. Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Glucose Dysregulation ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Lower Ratio ◽  
Clinical Changes ◽  
Biometric Features ◽  
Maternal Glucose

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to describe the dynamics of glucose and insulin curves in pregnant mares, and to evaluate the curves according to body condition score, identifying the presence of insulin resistance and correlating these values with the weight, height and clinical changes of the neonates. For this, pregnant mares were evaluated and then grouped according to body condition score during the gestation length until lactation. GrM corresponds to mares with moderate body score (BCS 5-6); GrOv were mares with overweight body score (BCS 7) and GrOb were obese mares (BCS 8-9). A two-step oral sugar test (OST) was used to determine the data. Cortisol analysis was performed with 300-320 days of gestation, at foaling and after parturition. For evaluation of the neonate, a general clinical examination and, weight and height measurements were performed. The results showed hyperglycemia in response to OST with normal insulin values at foaling with a subsequent fall in both values at lactation disregarding group division. Baseline glucose was decreased in GrM compared to GrOv and GrOb with 70-100 days of gestation and with 130-160 days of gestation. With 270-300 days of gestation and post-partum GrOb had increased baseline glucose than GrM. After OST, glucose at foaling day in GrOb presented increased values than GrM. Baseline insulin values did not differ between groups. Post OST insulin levels were higher in GrOb than GrM and GrOv at parturition. No difference in cortisol between moments was identified. GrOb and GrOv maintained increased concentrations after foaling while GrM had a decrease. No correlation was found between maternal glucose and insulin values with foal weight and height, however, a lower ratio between neonatal weight and mare’s weight in GrOb and GrOv was identified in relation to the GrM. At foaling, mares presented glucose dysregulation, with obese and overweight mares presenting a greater response to OST.

scholarly journals Effect of Gender on Growth and Carcass Traits of Romney Marsh Lambs

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 959-963
Author(s):  
Jan Kuchtík ◽  
Leona Konečná ◽  
Monika Šeligová ◽  
Tomáš Kopec
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Experimental Animals ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Kidney Fat ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Longissimus Lumborum ◽  
Carcass Conformation

The aim of present study was to assess the effect of the gender on growth and carcass traits in lambs of the Romney Marsh breed. The experimental animals were male lambs (n = 12) and female lambs (n = 12) of the Romney Marsh breed. All lambs were twins and all their mothers were on the second parity. With regard to body weights and daily gains (DGs), the gender had a significant effect only on birth weight and DG from birth to the slaughter, while in all monitored intervals the DGs were higher in male lambs (MLs). The lamb gender did not have a significant effect on the easy of lambing, body condition score, depth of musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis (DMLLT) and thickness of backfat (TBF). However, values for DMLLT and TBF were higher in female lambs (FLs), which in case of DMLLT was not expected. Regarding the carcass traits, the gender had a significant effect only on the weights of kidney, kidney fat, leg and shoulder and on the proportions of kidney fat and shoulder. Interestingly, the gender had no significant effect on the conformation and fatness, while slightly better carcass conformation and slightly higher fatness were found in FLs. It can be concluded that FLs of the Romney Marsh breed showed comparable values for both the growth and carcass traits with MLs. Moreover, a slightly higher fatness of FLs is a prerequisite for better juiciness and tenderness of their meat, when this fact can be considered as a benefit in the marketing.

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