Effect of feed quantity fed during the different subperiods of pregnancy of fine fleece ewes on live weight of ewes and born lambs
Iliev, F.; Dimitrov, D.; Nedelchev, D.
Zhivotnov"dni Nauki 26(7): 32-37
1989
Accession: 007247393
An experiment was conducted with two groups, each of 34 mature high productive fine fleece ewes. Live weight of the animals was 80 kg, wool performance 11 kg, prolificacy 150-160%, and lactation milk yield 105 kg. The experiment commenced in the beginning of the second month of pregnancy and was completed at parturition. Energy intake of animals of the two groups was the same during the whole experimental period. Ewes of the control group in the beginning (i.e. second and third month of pregnancy) were fed on the average 15.2 MJ ME and in the second half of pregnancy 18.0 MJ ME. Ewes of the experimental group during the second and third month of pregnancy were fed daily 13.0 MJ ME, during the fourth month-18.9 MJ ME, and during the fifth month - 21.8 MJ ME. Live weight of ewes of the control and experimental group prior to parturition increased by 17 and 18% respectively. Live weight of the born lambs in group 1 and group 2 was 4.6 and 4.5 kg; ewe prolificacy came to 144 and 141%; and wool performance to 9.8 and 10.1 kg, respectively. The same total amount of nutrients (1691-1743 MJ ME and 35.7-36.4 kg crude protein) fed in compliance with the stage of pregnancy and applying the two schemes of feeding had no impact on live weight of ewes and born lambs in the two groups. Live weight of lambs of the experimental group at weaning was significantly higher (31.7 kg) than that of lambs of the control group (30.1 kg) (P < 0.05).