Lamb growth and milk production of hair and wool sheep in a semi-arid tropical environment

Abstract

St. Croix White hair ( n = 11), Barbados Blackbelly hair ( n = 10) and Florida Native wool ( n = 9) ewes were used to evaluate milk production and lamb growth under semi-arid tropical conditions. Milk production was measured on day 3 after lambing and at weekly intervals beginning on day 7 through weaning on day 63. Milk production decreased over time in St. Croix White and Barbados Blackbelly ewes more rapidly than in Florida Native ewes ( P < 0.01). Total milk yield was not different ( P > 0.1) among Barbados Blackbelly, Florida Native and St. Croix White ewes, or between ewes raising single or twin lambs. Udder volume was largest ( P < 0.08) in St. Croix White ewes, smallest in Florida Native and intermediate in Barbados Blackbelly ewes. All ewes had similar patterns of weight change during the study, but Barbados Blackbelly ewes weighed less than either St. Croix White or Florida Native ewes ( P < 0.05). There was no difference ( P > 0.1) in lamb weaning weight or average daily gain among the three breeds. The results show that Barbados Blackbelly, Florida Native and St. Croix White breeds of sheep produce similar amounts of milk and wean similar size lambs under tropical conditions, even though there are breed differences in body and udder size.