Finishing lambs in hill country

Abstract

A series of farmlet experiments investigated the effects of lambing dates, grazing methods and weaning/disposal dates on lamb production. Ewe and bull performance was also assessed. Laud contour did not significantly affect November-January lamb growth rates. Slight weight differences (-1 kg) in lambs and ewes occurred with changes in weaning date, but later disposal of lambs reduced both ewe and bull weights. Lamb growth rates were best when weaned lambs grazed in front of ewes and bulls in a quick rotation (25 days). Lambing in early August compared with early September, increased lamb weights but reduced lamb number, bull weight gains and ewe liveweights. At current product values earlier lambing reduced returns per ha. Recommendations are made for finishing lambs within mixed livestock systems in hill country. Keywords lamb, grazing management, hill country, agricultural systems, lambing date