EFFECT OF PASTURE RESERVES AND STOCKING RATE ON EWE AND LAMB PERFORMANCE FROM MID-PREGNANCY TO WEANING

Abstract

The effect of two stocking rates (16 and 32 ewes/ha) and three initial levels of pasture reserves (1730, 2240 and 2720 kg DM/ha) on animal and pasture production was studied from June to December 1977. Total amount of pasture grown was unaffected by either stocking rate or pasture reserve. At 32 ewes/ha, 96.9% of net pasture production was eaten and no surplus conserved. At 16 ewes/ ha, 50.4% was eaten and 1120 kg DM/ha conserved. Increasing initial pasture reserves gave increased ewe liveweight at weaning at 32 ewes/ha, but no response at 16 ewes/ha. There were no treatment effects on single lamb birthweights or weaning weights. The relationship between ewe intake and pasture allowance at different physiological states is discussed.