Use of pasture silage as a summer supplement for ewes

Abstract

This paper reviews a number of trials conducted at Ruakura, where pasture silage was supplemented to ewes on restricted summer grazing. Early trials showed that such supplementation increased total intake and gains. Further improvements were obtained by wilting or chopping the silage. Initially flushing responses were disappointing, but subsequent work showed high quality pasture silage to be ideal for such purposes (up to 50-70 extra eggs shed and 5050 extra lambs born/l 00 ewes to silage groups) and for improving wool growth. This response was related to the amount of silage fed (from 0.25 to 0.75 kg DM/day), and was obtained with as little as 10 days feeding. The practical implications are discussed. Keywords: Sheep, nutrition, silage, flushing, ovulations, lambs born