Abstract
Abstract Two experiments were conducted to test the liveweight, ovulation rate, and wool growth responses (second experiment only) of light and heavy 4-tooth Romney ewes, selected from large flocks (n = 1400, 1750) and offered 2 pasture allowances (1.2 vs 4.0 kg total DM/ewe per day) for 41-44 days. Mean herbage mass of pastures before grazing was 3220-3560 kg total DM/ha; with compositions of 70-85% grass, 12-20% clover, and 3-10% dead material on a dry matter basis. Starting liveweights (fasted) of the light and heavy ewes were 37.5 vs 49.2 kg (P<0.001, Expt 1) and 40.7 vs 55.4 kg (P<0.001, Expt 2). On an allowance of 4.0 kg DM/ewe per day, the light and heavy ewes in both experiments gained 6-8 kg over the trial period, but on 1.2 kg DM/ewe per day the light ewes gained 1.2–1.5 kg compared with ( −1. 1)–( + 0.6) kg by the heavy ewes (significant allowance X starting liveweight interactions (P<0.01, Expt 1; P<0.001, Expt 2)). Mean ovulation rates were significantly greater (P<0.001) in the heavy ewes (d...
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