Abstract
The study examines the seasonal reproductive performance of sheep reared under oil palm plantation and the subsequent survival of lambs up to weaning age. On-station studies were carried out from 2007 to 2010 at CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute, Kusi (001.45 W, 0600 N and 150 m above sea level). The average total rainfall is about 1600 mm/annum with average daily maximum temperature of 32±2°C. Sheep productivity (% lambing, litter size per ewe, survival rate, monthly birth and death rates) were the variables measured. An annual average of 58 ewes and 4 lambs were used. Results show that while lambing rate was 98%, lamb survival was 63.84%. This implies that almost two-fifth of yearly reproduction was lost to mortality with significantly large number of lambs dying in August. Though there was high percentage of lambing, this was offset by high mortality of lambs.
Highlights
The inter row areas between oil palm stands are usually covered with vegetation which forms a natural pasture and can be utilized as forage for livestock production
Lamb survivability was 63.84% an indication of almost two-fifth of yearly reproduction was lost to mortality
Under oil palm-sheep integration, the sheep could reproduce throughout the year
Summary
The inter row areas between oil palm stands are usually covered with vegetation which forms a natural pasture and can be utilized as forage for livestock production. Sheep are susceptible to a lowering reproductive ability during times of high ambient temperature and humidity (Khusary and Ariff, 1990). Continuous exposure to high environmental temperature results in reduced fertility and libido in male sheep (Khusary and Ariff, 1990). Chen (1989) has observed that temperature under the canopy of tree crops is 2-3°C lower at mid-day as compared to that in the open. This probably provides a better microclimatic condition for animals raised as a component of tree crop-livestock integration. This probably provides a better microclimatic condition for animals raised as a component of tree crop-livestock integration. Reynolds (1988) postulated that as far as animal production is concerned the provision of shade lowers heat loads on animals and is likely to have a positive effect on productivity
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