scholarly journals Evaluating the benefits of mixed plantain/chicory/clover pastures in a Hawke’s Bay sheep breeding and finishing farm

2019 ◽  
pp. 87-90
Author(s):  
Jim Spall ◽  
Graeme I. Ogle ◽  
Paul D. Muir
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
System Modelling ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Early Autumn ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Lamb Growth

Farming in the inland Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand with traditional pasture is limited by pasture quality in summer and early autumn. Low lamb growth rates in spring/summer pushes lamb finishing into the late summer and early autumn when feed demand competes with sheep mating and compromises pasture cover entering winter. We discuss our process for investigating and adopting high legume herb-based pastures that thrive within the constraints of our soils. This process involved learning from other farms and trials, small-scale on-farm trials and farm-system modelling. We gain considerable confidence from observing plantain, chicory and clover pastures within a learning group run by Massey University. Our on-farm trial measured by On-Farm Research showed favourable forage production (+20% greater than ryegrass-clover pastures for spring, autumn and winter) and longevity (4–6 grazing seasons). From this we modelled our farm using Farmax software. Farmax calculated an historically poor performance in February, March and April from ewes (-65, -45, -15 g/day respectively) and lambs (55, 0, 35 g/day respectively). Based on six key assumptions, we have calculated the profitability of herb-based pastures. These are compared with the performance we are currently achieving on herb-based pastures. For each value we are achieving better than assumed, i.e. ewe weaning weight 64.0 versus 62 kg, lamb weaning weight 33.0 versus 31.3 kg, ewe lamb growth rate 132 versus 100 g/day, male lamb growth rate 253 versus 235 grams/day and ewe hogget scanning percentage 144 versus 130.

scholarly journals An on-farm study of the herbage quality and sward characteristics of plantain-clover mixes during late summer and autumn and resulting lamb growth rates

2018 ◽  
pp. 107-112
Author(s):  
Lydia M Cranston ◽  
Peter D Kemp ◽  
Steve T Morris ◽  
Brennon A Wood
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Key Management ◽  
Plantago Lanceolata ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Management Technique ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Herbage Quality ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Lamb Growth

An on-farm study investigated the herbage quality and sward characteristics of plantain-clover mixes and resulting lamb growth rates during late summer and autumn. Three farms were chosen, each with a minimum of 10 ha of plantain-clover mix (Plantago lanceolata ‘Ceres Tonic’, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens) used for lamb finishing. Each farm managed the plantain-clover mix area using their routine management without advice or comment from research staff. Throughout autumn, at approximately monthly intervals on the three farms, the pre- and post-grazing herbage masses, botanical composition, herbage quality, plantain dry matter content, secondary chemical composition and lamb growth rates were monitored. A low percentage of clover in the sward, a high percentage of dead stem material and a low crude protein concentration in plantain during dry periods, were identified as the most likely causes of low lamb liveweight gains during autumn. Grazing management during spring that maintains control of plantain stems and encourages the presence of clover, appears to be a key management technique for ensuring high lamb liveweight gains on plantain-clover mixes in late summer and autumn.

The effect of weaning weight on subsequent lamb growth rates

2000 ◽  
pp. 75-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.J. Fraser ◽  
D.J. Saville
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Young Stock ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Lamb Growth ◽  
Weight Data

The effect of weaning weight on the subsequent growth rate of lambs was estimated from data collected at Winchmore Research Station. The lamb weight data were collected over a 3-year period involving dryland and irrigated farmlets with two contrasting forage systems. Lambs were weighed at 2-weekly intervals with the weights for the periods immediately pre- and post-weaning being used for the comparisons in this study. Results overall indicated that, following adjustments for pasture type, gender, birth and rearing rank, heavier lambs at weaning had faster growth rates post-weaning than lighter lambs. However, lighter lambs suffered a lower drop in growth rate (defined as growth rate before weaning minus growth rate post-weaning) than heavier lambs. This was universal across both pasture types, both genders and all combinations of birth and rearing ranks. Possible explanations are that the lighter lambs at weaning were receiving less milk from their mothers or that they were under some mob pressure and had limited access to quality pastures. In some cases, the lighter lambs even increased their growth rates post-weaning when compared to pre-weaning. It is suggested that weaning light lambs is an option for farmers, particularly when feed supply is limiting or when dry stock are required to clean up poor quality pastures and set up high quality feed for young stock. Keywords: dryland, irrigated, lamb growth, lamb weaning, pasture quality, weaning weights

An on-farm evaluation of the effects of season of shearing on ewe and subsequent lamb performance

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 165-165
Author(s):  
T W J Keady ◽  
J P Hanrahan
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Lamb Growth

The weight of lamb carcass produced per hectare is one of the major factors influencing the efficiency of lamb production and is influenced by the litter size and subsequent lamb growth rate (Keady and Hanrahan, 2006). On many sheep farms ewes are housed during the winter to facilitate increased stock carrying capacity. Ewes are normally shorn once yearly, usually in early summer. Previous studies at Athenry (Keady et al., 2007, Keady and Hanrahan, 2008, 2009) have shown that shearing ewes at housing increased subsequent lamb birth and weaning weights by up to 0.6 and 2.5 kg, respectively. Therefore as a consequence of reducing age at slaughter by approximately 2 weeks, whilst increasing price received per kg of carcass. However, shearing at housing may increase management inputs as ewes are normally housed in smaller groups and need to be dry prior to shearing. Shearing in the autumn, prior to mating, enables the flock to be assembled under more favourable conditions. A previous study at this centre (Keady and Hanrahan, 2008) showed that shearing prior to mating tended to increase subsequent lamb birth weight (+0.3 kg) but did not alter litter size or lamb viability relative to lambs born from ewes which were shorn in late May. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the effects of season of shearing on fertility of March -lambing ewes and on subsequent lamb performance.

scholarly journals Effects of weaning age and weight on lamb growth rate of Morada Nova breed raised in a tropical extensive production system

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 784-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arturo Bernardo Selaive -Villarroel ◽  
Marcus Brocardo Maciel ◽  
Nelson Manzoni de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Statistical Model ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
White Variety ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Extensive System ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Lamb Growth

The aim of this research were to study the effect of weaning age and weight on post-growing rate (PWG) and to estimate the optimal weaning age (WA) and weight (WW) of Morada Nova-white variety breed lambs raised under extensive system conditions. A total of 31 male and female lambs were evaluated, being 19 lambs born in April/May 2001 and 12 lambs born in February/March 2002. Lambs were distributed in the following treatments at weaning: 1) weaning age = T1: weaned at 60 days; T2: weaned at 75 days; T3: weaned at 90 days, and 2) weaning weight = T1: weaned with 9 to 10.4kg weigth; T2: weaned with 10.5 to 12.4kg weight and T3: weaned with above 12.5kg weight. The PWG was recorded through successive weightings done every fourteen days from weaning to 180 days of age. Data were analysed through a statistical model that included age and weight at weaning, sex and year of birth as fixed effects. Lambs weaned with 60, 75 and 90 days of age showed non-significant differences (P>0.05) on PWG. However, WW had a significant influence (P<0.05) on lamb weight. The group weaned with 9-10.4kg had smaller live weight than those weaned with 10.5-12.4kg or above 12.5kg. No differences were found between these last two groups. Also, sex had significant effect (P<0.05) on lamb growing with males being heavier than females (20.7kg and 17.6kg, respectively). Year of birth did not affect PWG. It was concluded that weight at weaning is more important than age at weaning on post-weaning growing of lambs. The most efficient live weaning weight on white Morada Nova lambs raised in extensive system production is over 10.5kg.

scholarly journals Feeding Tall Fescue Seed Reduces Ewe Milk Production, Lamb Birth Weight and Pre-Weaning Growth Rate

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2291
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Britt ◽  
Maslyn A. Greene ◽  
Sarah A. Wilbanks ◽  
J. Keith Bertrand ◽  
James L. Klotz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Dopamine Agonists ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Treatment Assignment ◽  
Lamb Growth

Endophyte-infected tall fescue (E+) produces ergovaline and ergovalinine, which are mycotoxins that act as dopamine agonists to suppress prolactin and induce vasoconstriction. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial with DRD2 genotype (AA, AG, GG), fescue seed (endophyte-free, E− or endophyte-infected, E+), stage of gestation (MID, d (day) 35–85; LATE, d 86–parturition) and all interactions in the model. Pregnant Suffolk ewes (n = 60) were stratified by genotype and fed E+ or E− seed in a total mixed ration according to treatment assignment. Serum prolactin concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) in ewes fed E+ seed but did not differ by maternal DRD2 genotype or two-way interaction. Lamb birth weight was lower (p < 0.05) in ewes fed E+ seed in last trimester. Pre-weaning growth rate, milk production and total weaning weight was reduced (p < 0.05) in ewes fed E+ fescue seed during MID and LATE gestation. Ingestion of ergovaline/ergovalinine in last trimester reduces lamb birth weight; however, lamb growth rate, milk production and total weaning weight are reduced in all ewes fed E+ during mid and last trimester.

scholarly journals Understanding the role of spring grazing of lucerne in the Central Otago environment

2012 ◽  
pp. 69-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.R. Stevens ◽  
B.R. Thompson ◽  
A. Carruthers ◽  
A.J. Wall ◽  
M.J. Casey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Valley Floor ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Sustainable Farming ◽  
Farm Systems ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lamb Growth

The Lucerne for Lambs Sustainable Farming Fund project used on-farm data and whole-farm modelling to help farmers understand the impact of increasing the amount of grazing dryland lucerne on Central Otago farms. On-farm results from 2 years showed that spring stocking rate on lucerne-based pasture averaged 10 ewes and their lambs per hectare compared with 3 ewes and their lambs on dryland grass-based pasture. Lamb growth rate was approximately 50 g/day higher on lucerne-based pastures, resulting in a total lamb production of 358 kg liveweight/ha at weaning compared with 108 kg liveweight/ha on grass-based pastures. Whole-farm modelling showed that increased profitability could be achieved by the addition of significant areas of grazing lucerne. Profitability increased by $119/ha on a 5000 ha traditional merino property. Profitability of a 522 ha partially irrigated valley floor property running crossbred ewes was increased by $249/ha. Using lucerne for spring grazing also reduced the impacts of both winter and summer droughts in the variable conditions of Central Otago. Keywords: dryland, lamb growth, lucerne, modelling, profitability, stocking rate, whole farm systems.

scholarly journals LAMB GROWTH ON "LONG" AND "SHORT" GRAZED PASTURES OF RYEGRASS OR TIMOTHY/COCKSFOOT

1972 ◽  
pp. 199-204
Author(s):  
K.H.C. Lewis ◽  
N.A. Cullen
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Grazed Pastures ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Lamb Growth ◽  
Main Factor

Lamb growth rates were measured on "long" (> 5 cm) and "short" (< 5 cm) ryegrass and timothy/cocksfoot pastures sown with clovers. Both before and after weaning in December, the growth rates of lambs were similar on "short" pastures but lower on "long" ryegrass pastures than on "long" timothy/cocksfoot pastures. Before weaning, gains on "short" ryegrass pastures were higher than those on "long" but with timothy!cocksfoot the position was reversed. After weaning, "short" pastures of both types produced higher gains than "long" pastures. The main factor affecting lamb growth rate appeared to be the deterioration of leniently grazed swalrds in late summer and autumn.

Effects of Dried Distillers’ Grains Cube Supplementation for Steers Grazing Introduced Pastures on Animal Performance and Forage Production

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 12-13
Author(s):  
Jordan Adams ◽  
Rodney Farris ◽  
Scott Clawson ◽  
Earl Ward ◽  
Paul Beck
Keyword(s):  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Cynodon Dactylon ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Distillers Grains ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Trenbolone Acetate ◽  
Dried Distillers Grains

Abstract We evaluated the effects of supplementing dried distillers’ grains cubes (DDGS) and re-implantation of steers (n = 149; BW = 238 ± 13.8 kg) grazing tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)/bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures (n = 9 pastures, 7.2 ± 2.90 ha) from 14 April to 17 September 2020 (n = 155 d) in a split-plot design on steer performance and forage production. Main plot supplemental treatments (n = 3 pastures/treatment) included 1) Fertilized Control (FC), no supplementation on fertilized pastures (112 kg N/ha); 2) Fertilized Supplement (FS), supplemental DDGS fed at 2.9 kg 3-d/wk on fertilized pastures; and 3) Supplement (S), supplemented DDGS at 0.75% BW/d on unfertilized pastures prorated for 5-d/wk feeding. Steers were previously implanted during receiving with 40 mg trenbolone acetate and 8 mg estradiol (REV-G; Revalor G, Merck Animal Health). On July 7, steers in each pasture were randomly assigned to one of three re-implant treatments: 1) no re-implant; 2) REV-G; or 3) 200 mg progesterone and 20 mg estradiol (Synovex S, Zoetis Animal Health). Steers in FS and S gained more (P &lt; 0.01) than FC throughout the trial and final BW was greater (P &lt; 0.01) for FS and S compared with FC. Unexpectedly, re-implanting had no effect on ADG (P = 0.57) or BW (P = 0.34), but statistical power may be lacking. Supplemental efficiency was greater in the late summer for FS (P = 0.05) compared to S. Fertilizing pastures in FS and FC did not affect biomass (P = 0.39), however, CP was increased (P = 0.01) and acid and neutral detergent fibers tended to decrease (P = 0.06) relative to S in the early summer (April, May, June, and July), but did not differ in late summer (August and September). Based upon our analysis, DDGS is a suitable supplement and can replace N fertilizer for steers grazing introduced pastures.

scholarly journals 269 Effects of high phytase supplementation in lactation diets on sow and litter performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 101-102
Author(s):  
Kelsey L Batson ◽  
Hilda I Calderon Cartagena ◽  
Robert D Goodband ◽  
Jason C Woodworth ◽  
Mike D Tokach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Body Weight Change ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Commercial Trial ◽  
Quadratic Response ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Abstract A total of 109 sows (Line 241; DNA, Columbus, NE) were used in a study to evaluate the effect of increasing phytase concentration in lactation diets on sow and litter performance. On d 107 of gestation, sows were blocked by body weight and parity and allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments of increasing phytase concentration (0, 1,000, or 3,000 FYT/kg; Ronozyme HiPhos 2700; DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ). The control diet contained no phytase and was formulated to contain 0.50% standardized total tract digestible phosphorus (STTD P; 0.45% available P) and 0.62% STTD calcium (0.90% total Ca). The same STTD P and Ca concentrations were formulated for the phytase diets considering a release of 0.132 STTD P and 0.094 STTD Ca in both diets. Diets were fed from d 107 of gestation until weaning (d 18 ± 2). Litters were cross-fostered within treatment until 48 h post-farrowing to equalize litter size. Linear and quadratic response to phytase concentration was evaluated using the lmer function in R. There was no evidence for difference in sow body weight change, farrowing performance, wean-to-estrus interval, or litter size among dietary treatments. Sow average daily feed intake from farrowing to weaning tended to increase (linear, P=0.093) as phytase increased. Although not significant (linear, P =0.226), farrowing duration decreased as phytase increased. Litter weaning weight increased (quadratic, P=0.039) and overall litter gain increased (quadratic, P=0.047) with 1,000 FYT of phytase. In summary, sow feed intake tended to increase linearly with increasing phytase; however, feeding 1,000 FYT/kg maximized overall litter gain and weaning weight. This small-scale study suggests sow and litter performance benefits due to high inclusions of dietary phytase; however, a commercial trial with more sows is warranted to confirm these results.

scholarly journals Mammary Gland Structures Are Not Affected by an Increased Growth Rate of Yearling Ewes Post-Weaning but Are Associated with Growth Rates of Singletons

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 884
Author(s):  
Emmanuelle Haslin ◽  
Rene A. Corner-Thomas ◽  
Paul R. Kenyon ◽  
Adrian J. Molenaar ◽  
Stephen T. Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Mammary Gland ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Fat Pad ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Lamb Growth ◽  
Heavy Group

The experiment aimed to examine the impacts of an increased growth rate of ewes between three and seven months of age on udder development using ultrasound and to establish whether ultrasonography could be used to identify ewe mammary structures that may be indirect indicators of singleton growth to weaning. Udder dimensions, depths of gland cistern (GC), parenchyma (PAR) and fat pad (FP) were measured in late pregnancy (P107), early lactation (L29), and at weaning (L100) in 59 single-bearing yearling ewes selected from two treatments. The ‘heavy’ group (n = 31) was preferentially fed prior to breeding achieving an average breeding live-weight of 47.9 ± 0.38 kg at seven months of age. The ‘control’ group (n = 28) had an average breeding live-weight of 44.9 ± 0.49 kg. Udder dimensions, GC, PAR and FP did not differ between treatments. Lamb growth to L100 was positively associated (p < 0.05) with PAR at P107 and GC at L29. There was no evidence of negative effects of the live-weight gain treatments on udder development of yearling ewes as measured by ultrasonography. The results suggest that this ultrasound method has the potential to identify pregnant yearling ewes which would wean heavier singletons.

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