THE EFFECT OF PASTURE ALLOWANCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SHEEP

Authors

  • P.V. Rattray
  • K.T. Jagusch
  • K.S. Maclean

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.1978.40.1509

Abstract

In a trial conducted at Ruakura over 5 years, mixed-age flocks of Coopworth, Perendale, High Fertility Romney and Control Romney ewes were run on separate farmlets stocked at 26, 21 or 16 ewes/ha. At any given pasture allowance the Coopworth ate more pasture than the other breeds. Lambing performance, weight of lamb weaned and fleece weight were curvilinearly related to allowance. Lamb production per ewe tended to level out at a DM allowance of 4 kg/ewe/day for the Perendale and about 5 kg/ewe/day for the other breeds. Pasture allowance accounted for an appreciable amount of variation in animal production between years and stocking rates; litter size, 38 to 90%; lambs weaned/ewes mated. 29 to 71'%; weight of lamb weaned/ewe mated, 26 to 62%; and fleece weight, 25 to 49%. Pasture allowance accounted for the least variation in all variables in the Perendale compared with the other breeds.

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Published

1978-01-01

Issue

Section

Articles