scholarly journals Raising lambs on natural and cultivated pastures in the conditions of Lapland

1981 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 146-151
Author(s):  
Liisa Syrjälä

The growth of lambs on natural and cultiavated pastures was studied in 1979—1980 in northern Lapland at 69°40’ N and 27° 05’ E. The natural pasture was a peninsula covered by various wild grasses, bearing willow and birth and with sedge and horsetail by the shore. On the cultivated pasture timothy predominated. The experiments started in mid June, when the age of the lambs averaged three months, and lasted to mid September. During that time, the animals received no supplemental feeds. The grazing density on the natural pasture was 1.5—3.2 lambs/ha and on the cultivated pasture 15—20 lambs/ha. The lambs on the natural pasture grew significantly slower (P < 0.05) than those on the cultivated pasture. The difference in live-weight gain was especially marked in June and from the beginning of August. In lambs moved from the natural pasture to the cultivated pasture in mid August the growth rate was somewhat better than in lambs kept on the natural pasture throughout, but growth diminished in all the lambs in September. The slaughter criteria were also better for the lambs on the cultivated pasture than for the others.

2002 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. E. R. Dawson ◽  
A. F. Carson ◽  
L. O. W. McClinton

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-278
Author(s):  
Masum Billah ◽  
Md Humayun Kabir ◽  
Md Hafizur Rahman ◽  
Md Abdul Hamid

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of concentrate on growth performances of both male and female lamb. For this purpose twenty four (12 male and 12 female) lamb aged about 5-6 months were selected and divided into three groups (Treatment group T1, T2 and control group T0). In each group having 4 males and 4 females lamb, all lambs were supplied green roughages ad-libitum, control group T0 was allowed no concentrate and treatment group T1 & T2 were supplied 100 gm & 200 gm concentrate mixture respectively for 90 days experimental period. Animals were weighed at 15 days interval. Significant differences of live weight gain among these three groups were found. Allowing 100 gm (T1) concentrate mixture along with green grass improved growth rate in both male and female lamb. Increasing of concentrate supplementation improved live weight gain (found in T2 group). Total live weight gain (kg) and average daily live weight gain (g/d) were 4.25±0.52 kg and 47.20±5.75 g, 5.38±0.83 kg and 59.73+9.17 g and 7.00±0.54 kg and 77.78±6.00 g in male lambs and 2.25±0.21 kg and 25.00±2.34 g, 3.18±0.32 kg and 35.39±3.63 g and 3.81±0.24 kg and 42.33±2.77 g in female lambs for the To, T1 and T2 groups respectively. Live weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in male than female lambs. The results showed that 100 g concentrate supplementation with green roughages improved growth rate in lambs (male and female) under stall feeding condition. Increase of supplementation might improve nutrients supply to promote higher live weight gain.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 274-278


1972 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Leaver ◽  
N. H. Yarrow

SUMMARYWhole milk was given once daily to three groups each of 18 Friesian heifer calves and concentrates and hay were also available. Calves in one group received 2·4 kg milk/day and in a second 3·0 kg milk/day and in both of these groups individual calves were weaned when their daily intake of concentrates reached 400 g. In the third group the calves received 3·0 kg milk/day and were weaned after 28 days. Concentrate and hay intakes were not significantly affected by the treatments. Mean growth rate over 56 days increased with increasing quantity of whole milk offered but the differences between treatments were not significant. The performance of calves given whole milk was compared with the performance achieved in previous experiments where milk substitute was given. It was estimated that 1 kg whole milk gave the same live-weight gain as 170 g milk-substitute powder. From this estimate price/cost relationships were determined to indicate when whole milk or milk substitute should be fed to calves.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 581-588
Author(s):  
Vladimir A. Zabiyakin ◽  
Sergey A. Zamyatin

The research (2018-2019) was conducted in the conditions of a peasant farm in the Voronezh region. The paper evaluates the indicators of the growth rate and meat productivity of the preserved gene pool groups of guinea fowl. The experiment involved three groups of daily guinea fowl of 200 heads of different genetic origin: lines of the Volga white breed (the original VB-4, selected by the rate of live weight gain and reproductive characteristics; autosex VBA-1, selected by the color of down, feather and productive characteristics) and gray-speckled guinea fowl of unknown origin. Studies have shown that the live weight of guinea fowl of the VBA-1 line exceeded the live weight of poultry from other groups of guinea fowl, a significant excess was noted at 8, 12 and 13 weeks of age. The greatest coefficient of variation of the trait was observed at 8 weeks of age. The analysis of relative gain in live weight of guinea fowl showed that up to 10 weeks of age, the highest relative growth rate of guinea fowl of all experimental groups was observed (14.0-17.0 %). Starting from the age of 11 weeks, this indicator gradually decreased (4.3-13.4 %). It was found out that under the same conditions of keeping and feeding, the feed costs per 1 kg of live weight gain in guinea fowls of the VBA-1 line were less by 0.09-0.16 kg (3.11-6.33 %) compared to poultry of the VB-4 line and by 0.2-0.4 kg (5.49-12.82 %) compared to their gray-speckled peers. The results of anatomical cutting of guinea fowl carcasses showed that the experimental groups of poultry significantly (P< 0.05) differed among themselves in the degree of development of internal organs and tissues. The yield of edible parts was 60.2-61.1 %, depending on the group of poultry. The large live weight noted by us in linear poultry is the reason for their better meat productivity, which is directly related to an increase in the absolute mass of the eviscerated carcass, its edible parts, muscles and bones. Based on the data obtained, the optimal age of poultry slaughter for meat was determined at 10-12 weeks of life.


1970 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Sultana ◽  
SMJ Hossain ◽  
SA Chowdhury ◽  
MR Hassan ◽  
M Ershaduzzaman

Twenty four castrated native sheep were grouped (six/group) into four: T1 >3 to ≤ 6; T2 > 6 to ≤ 9; T3 >9 to ≤12 and T4 >12 to ≤ 15 months. Through out the 63 days of experimental period, animals were offered ad libitum urea (3%), molasses (15%) and straw (82%) as a basal diet with concentrate mixture [14% crude protein (CP) & 11.5 MJ metabolizing energy (ME) per kg Dry Matter (DM)] @ 1% of live weight. Five days metabolic trial was conducted towards the end of the feeding trial. Besides, fortnightly live weight change, daily nutrient intake, carcass yield and carcass characteristics were studied. Daily weight gain decreased (P<0.05) with the increasing in age and the growth rate were 79, 63, 55 and 44g/day for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Higher growth rate in T1 was due to animal's inherent self-accelerated phase of growth. Feed conversion ratio (FCR; kg feed/kg live weight gain) was significantly (P<0.001) better in T1 (9.2) followed by T2 (13.8), T3 (17.7) and T4 (21.7). Cost per kg of carcass production was lower in T1 (Taka: 239), but the production cost increased in T2 (Taka: 357), T3 (Taka: 440) and T4 (Taka: 515). DM intake (g/kg W0.75) decreased with the increase in age and weight. For each gram increased in live weight gain, it required 7.7 kJ ME and animals achieved zero live weight gain (maintenance energy level) at 377 kJ/kg W0.75/d ME intake. Slaughtered weight, warmed carcass weight and dressing yield (%) of native sheep increased with advancement of age. Dressing yields were 48.5, 49, 51.4 and 55.5% for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Fat percent increased with increasing age and body fat as percent of live weight were 5.6, 7.7 15.5 and 20.6, respectively for the T1, T2, T3 and T4. As a part of total carcass, the proportional yield of tender loin and hind leg chump, most valued retail cut, decreased with the increased animal age. In the present trial, body weight gain at early stage (6-8 months of age) of life was more economical than at the later stage of life. It is suggests that the optimum market/slaughter age for native sheep maintained under these feeding and management would be at around eight months of age. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v27i2.7556 Bangl. vet. 2010. Vol. 27, No. 2, 62-73


1981 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Thomas ◽  
B. G. Gibbs ◽  
J. C. Tayler

ABSTRACT1. A primary growth of perennial ryegrass was cut on 8 to 11 May (early) or on 12 June (late) for comparison with the primary growth of a tetraploid red clover, which was cut either on 1 or 2 June (early) or on 28 June (late). The crops were ensiled, after wilting for about 4h, with the addition of formic acid at 2·21/t fresh crop. The silages were given ad libitum alone or with rolled barley at 11·5 g dry matter per kg live weight to 40 British Friesian steers initially 3 months old and 108 kg live weight.2. On average there was no significant difference in digestibility between perennial ryegrass and red clover. However, the rate of decline in digestibility with time was greater with perennial ryegrass than with red clover.3. Calves given silage of red clover as the sole feed ate more dry matter and grew faster than calves given grass silage (P <0·001) but supplementation with barley reduced the intake of red clover silage to a greater extent than that of perennial ryegrass silage. Barley supplementation increased live-weight gain of calves given perennial ryegrass from 0·32 to 0·83 kg/day and that of calves given red clover from 0·63 to 0·99 kg/day (interaction P <0·05). The results did not indicate a higher net efficiency of utilization of the legume. Date of cut had no significant effect on dry-matter intake but earlier cutting resulted in an increase in live-weight gain from a mean of 0·61 to 0·77 kg/day (P <0·001).4. The results show that high rates of live-weight gain (0·74 kg/day) can be achieved by calves given silage of red clover and that earlier cutting of herbage for silage does not always result in higher intakes of dry matter. Supplementation of silages with barley can reduce markedly the difference in intake and live-weight gain apparent when the silages are given as sole feeds.


1985 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Smith ◽  
P. C. Whiteman

SummaryA continuously grazed trial on natural and sown pastures under coconuts was reported by Watson & Whiteman (1981). This has been continued for another 3 years as a rotationally grazed trial. The paddocks were divided down the centre and three animals grazed for 28 days in one half and were transferred to the other half for 28days. The same three stocking rates of 1·5, 2·5 and 3·5 steers/ha were maintained. In the sown pasture paddocks Brachiaria decumbensand Brachiaria miliiformis were planted in rows from rooted cuttings, while Centrosema pubescens (centro) and Pueraria phaseoloides (puero) were sown, with seed at 4 and 3 kg/ha, respectively. Naturalized pastures were maintained by grazing at 2·5 steers/ha during the establishment of the sown pasture. Light transmission was 62 %. Sown grasses were lost after 4 months from the start of rotational grazing. In the sown pastures puero became dominant. Animal live-weight gain (LWG) on puero was poor in the first 140 days of grazing in each year, but after this time it increased. Centro was the dominant species in the natural pasture of 2·5 and 3·5 steers/ha. However, there was little difference in yearly LWG except in year 3 when the 2·5 steers/ha had higher gains in the natural (363 kg/ha) than in the sown pasture (250 kg/ha). Th9 mean live-weight gain (kg/ha) in the first 2 years of the rotationally grazed trial (315 kg/ha) was lower than in the continuously grazed trial (364 kg/ha) at 3·5 steers/ha. The time and efficiency of collecting fallen coconuts was lower at 1·5 steers/ha in both pastures, but not different between 2·5 and 3·5 steers/ha. In continuous and rotational grazing there is little point in planting Brachiaria species. Productive pastures in plantations oan be obtained by conti oiling weeds and sowing centro and puero into the naturalized Axonopus compressus and stocking at 2–5–3–0 steers/ha. Further research on other grasses such as Ischaemum aristatum and Stenotaphrumsecundatum may lead to better grass persistence.


1981 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 669-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. E. Watson ◽  
P. C. Whiteman

SUMMARYA grazing study, comparing a naturalized and a sown pasture at three stocking rates, was conducted under a uniform stand of 65-year-old coconuts on a fertile soil in the Russell Islands. In a plot trial on this site there was no significant response to application of up to 400 kg N/ha/year over 2 years to Brachiaria decumbens. Average daily transmission of photosynthetically active radiation through the coconut canopy was 60% of full sunlight. The sown pasture consisted initially of para (Brachiaria mutica), signal (B. decumbens) and koronivia (B. humidicola) with the legumes Centrosema pubescens, Pueraria phaseoloides and Stylosanthes guianensis. The main species in the naturalized pasture were Axonopus compressus, Mimosa pudica, C. pubescens and Colopogonium mucunoides. Pastures were set stocked in two replicates over 3 years at 1·5, 2·5 and 3·5 animals/ha. There was no significant difference in live-weight gain between pastures in any year. Live-weight gain per head declined linearly with increasing stocking rate. Highest live-weight gain was 437 kg/ha/year in the 1st year at 3·5 animals/ha. The planted grasses declined from 60% at the start of grazing to 6% 8 months later. A. compressus increased from 2 to 24% over 3 years in the sown pasture, and from 12 to 34% of yield in the natural pasture. M. pudica increased from 27 to 44% in the sown, and remained approximately constant at 37% in the natural pasture. G. pubescens increased at 2·5 animals/ha, but was replaced by P. phaseoloides at 1·5 animals/ha and by A. compressus and M. pudica at 3·5 animals/ha. There were no significant effects of pasture treatments or stocking rate on copra yields. Where there is a cover of naturalized grasses and legumes under coconuts, cultivation and planting of exotic species cannot be recommended. Major improvement will come from thorough weed control and maintaining stocking rates between 1·5 and 2·5 animals/ha.


1970 ◽  
Vol 38 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 42-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
MM Rahman ◽  
MA Akbar ◽  
KMS Islam ◽  
ABM Khaleduzzaman ◽  
ABMR Bostami

An experiment was conducted for a period of 60 days with twelve bull calves with an average live weight of 77.78 ± 10.96 kg to determine the effect of treatment of rice straw with Wood Ash Extract (WAE) on feed intake, nutritive value, growth rate and economic benefits. The experimental animals were divided into three groups A, B and C having four animals in each. They were supplied randomly with three rations following randomized complete block design. All rations were made iso-nitrogenous by using urea as a source of nitrogen. Animals of group A were fed untreated rice straw, whereas, group B and C were fed urea-treated and WAE treated rice straw, respectively. The chemical analysis showed that treatment of rice straw with WAE increased ash content of straw from 13.93% to 16.45% and decreased the NDF content from 67.39% to 63.00%. The daily DM intake per 100 kg live weight of diet B was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of diet A and C. The daily CP intake per 100 kg body weight of diet B (553.3g) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of diet A (449.5g). Similarly, the organic matter (OM) intake in bull calves fed diet B was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed diet A and C. The average daily live weight gain with diet B and C was significantly (P<0.01) higher than diet A. The animals fed diet B and C were more efficient in converting feed into live weight than animals fed diet A. Treating rice straw with wood ash extract improved the nutritive value, it significantly (P<0.01) increased the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, ADF and NDF. It also increased the DCP, DOM, DNDF and DADF contents of rice straw compared with untreated straw. Although the total feed cost of untreated group is lower than those of WAE and urea-treated groups, the feed cost per kg live weight gain as well as the feed cost per kg meat production of WAE and urea-treated groups were significantly (P<0.01) lower than that of untreated rice straw. It may be concluded that nutrient composition and digestibility of rice straw and live weight gain of animals can be improved by treating rice straw with wood ash extract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v38i1-2.9911 BJAS 2009; 38(1-2): 42-52


1961 ◽  
Vol 3 (03) ◽  
pp. 295-300
Author(s):  
R. H. Armstrong ◽  
A. E. Cameron

1. In the summer of 1958, 15 mg. of hexoestrol was administered to Blackface wether lambs in one of the following ways; 5 mg. before weaning followed by two 5 mg. tablets at weaning, three 5 mg. tablets at weaning, and thirdly a single 15 mg. tablet at weaning. In a further series of experiments in 1959 the effect of both raising the pre-weaning implantation to 10 mg., and the total hexoestrol dosage to 20 mg. was studied.2. Suckled lambs implanted with 5 mg. of hexoestrol at the milk clip gained significantly more in live-weight (18%) up to weaning in 1958 than did untreated lambs; in 1959 the difference was only 11%.3. Between weaning and the end of the trial all treatments with the exception of that in which hexoestrol dosage was raised to 20 mg. showed a very highly significant increase in live-weight gain over untreated lambs, the increases ranging from 26 % to 54%.4. In neither year was the overall gain in live-weight from pre-weaning to the end of the trial significantly increased by implanting part of the hexoestrol dose prior to weaning.5. Live-weight gain of the lambs was not significantly increased when three 5 mg. tablets of hexoestrol replaced a single 15 mg. tablet.6. The implanting of lambs with 20 mg. hexoestrol failed to give a response superior to that obtained with 15 mg. hexoestrol.7. Each group of lambs receiving hexoestrol treatment showed an increased average carcass weight.


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