Ewe Weight Research Articles

Interrelationship between late gestational ewe factor and early life lamb factors in semi-arid tropical region.

The limitation in feed availability in the semi-arid region during the lean period can result in a variation of the body condition, body weight of pregnant ewe which in turn may affect the lamb birth weight, colostrum immunoglobulin, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Therefore, the present study was initiated to assess the interrelationship between late gestational ewe factor and early life lamb factors in the semi-arid tropical region. For this purpose, 83 Malpura and 45 Avikaline pregnant ewes were selected and their body condition score (BCS) at late gestation, body weight at lambing, and birth weight of lambs was recorded. The BCS of ewes in late gestation had significant (P< 0.001) positive correlation (r2= 0.465) with the birth weight of lambs. The body weight at lambing was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in single-lamber ewes as compared to twin-bearing ewes. The plasma IGF-1 of lamb increased significantly (P< 0.05) with the increase of BCS of ewe at the late gestation as well as body weight after lambing. The colostrum of twin-lamb producing ewes had higher (P< 0.05) IgG content than single-lamb producing ewes. The concentration of IGF-1 was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in single-born lamb as compared to twin-born lamb. Based on the results of the present study, it is to conclude that higher BCS at late gestation and higher body weight of ewes at lambing is desirable for producing lambs with a higher birth weight having higher growth potential as well as chances of survival.

A novel measure of ewe efficiency for breeding and benchmarking purposes.

Ewe efficiency has traditionally been defined as the ratio of litter weight to ewe weight; given the statistical properties of ratio traits, an alternative strategy is proposed in the present study. The concept of using the deviation in performance of an animal from the population norm has grown in popularity as a measure of animal-level efficiency. The objective of the present study was to define novel measures of efficiency for sheep, which considers the combined weight of a litter of lambs relative to the weight of their dam, and vice versa. Two novel traits, representing the deviation in total litter weight at 40 d (DEV40L) or weaning (DEVweanL), were calculated as the residuals of a statistical model, with litter weight as the dependent variable and with the fixed effects of litter rearing size, contemporary group, and ewe weight. The deviation in ewe weight at 40-d postlambing (DEV40E) or weaning (DEVweanE) was derived using a similar approach but with ewe weight and litter weight interchanged as the dependent variable. Variance components for each trait were estimated by first deriving the litter or ewe weight deviation phenotype and subsequently estimating the variance components. The phenotypic SD in DEV40L and DEVweanL was 8.46 and 15.37 kg, respectively; the mean litter weight at 40 d and weaning was 30.97 and 47.68 kg, respectively. The genetic SD and heritability for DEV40L was 2.65 kg and 0.12, respectively. For DEVweanL, the genetic SD and heritability was 4.94 kg and 0.13, respectively. The average ewe weight at 40-d postlambing and at weaning was 66.43 and 66.87 kg, respectively. The genetic SD and heritability for DEV40E was 4.33 kg and 0.24, respectively. The heritability estimated for DEVweanE was 0.31. The traits derived in the present study may be useful not only for phenotypic benchmarking of ewes within flock on performance but also for benchmarking flocks against each other; furthermore, the extent of genetic variability in all traits, coupled with the fact that the data required to generate these novel phenotypes are usually readily available, signals huge potential within sheep breeding programs.

Environmental factors that influence milk production of Pantaneiro ewes and the weight gain of their lambs during the pre-weaning period.

The main objective of this research was to conduct an exploratory study of the lactation curve in order to characterize the productive potential of Pantaneiro ewes and lambs. Fifty ewes were bred using four rams in two different mating seasons. The ewes were kept with their lambs on pasture of Brachiaria brizantha. Ewe body score, ewe weight, and lamb weight were evaluated. Milk sampling was performed every week. In the morning for milk collections, the ewes were treated with 1 UI of oxytocin (intramuscular) for complete milking. Lambs were separated from the ewes for 4h and milk collections were performed. The total milk production over 24h was estimated by multiplying the production of this period (4h) by 6. The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure (P < 0.05) in SAS. Milk production data were fitted to the curve using the incomplete gamma function of Wood, and lamb growth data were fitted using the Gompertiz equation. The average milk production of the ewes was 1.03kg/day-1. Younger ewes had the lowest milk production (18 = 798 ± 330, 24 = 1001 ± 440, 36 = 1100 ± 490, and 48 = 1106 ± 490g/day-1). Ewe body score at lambing affected initial milk production (1.0 = 816 ± 660, 1.5 = 1089 ± 105, and 2.0 = 1424 ± 1600g/day-1). Lambs were weaned with an average weight of 20.3kg. Daily weight gain from birth to weaning was 181g. Locally adapted Pantaneiro ewes showed a linear decreasing lactation curve, with reduced production from the second week of lactation. Overall, evaluation of the dairy production and lamb performance revealed great variation, denoting potential for selection.

Impact of grazing on soil, vegetation and ewe production performances in a semi-arid rangeland

Controlled grazing is considered a good management strategy to maintain or increase the live weight of livestock and to reduce vegetation degradation of rangelands. The present study investigated soil characteristics, aboveground vegetation biomass dynamics and controlled grazinginduced changes in the live weight of local ewes in the semi-arid rangeland of Ahmadun, Ziarat, Balochistan province of Pakistan. An area of 115 ha was protected from livestock grazing in April 2014. In June 2015, soil characteristics within 0-30 cm depth i.e. soil organic matter (SOM), mineral nitrogen, pH and texture in controlled and uncontrolled grazing sites were assessed. Aboveground vegetation biomass measured in early (June) and late summer (August) in 2015 and 2016. The nutritional value i.e. crude protein, phosphorus (P), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) of dominant plant species were assessed at the beginning of experiment in 2015. Vegetation cover of controlled and uncontrolled grazing sites was also measured during the two years of the study period using the VegMeasure software. From June to November in 2015 and 2016, controlled and uncontrolled livestock grazing sites were grazed on a daily basis by local ewes with a stocking rate of 2 and 1 head ha-1 respectively. Results reveal that the organic matter contents of coarse-textured, slightly alkaline soil of the study site were in the range of 9.4 - 17.6 g kg-1 soil and showed a strong positive correlation with aboveground vegetation biomass. The biomass of plants was 56.5% and 33% greater at controlled than uncontrolled grazing site in 2015 and 2016 respectively and plant cover was also higher at controlled than uncontrolled grazing site in both years. The nutrient contents were significantly (P<0.05) lower in grasses than shrubs. In both years, the controlled grazing increased the weight gain of ewes about two folds compared to the uncontrolled grazing. The results indicate that controlled grazing improved the vegetation biomass production and small ruminant productivity.

Morphological and reproductive characteristics of the Boutsko sheep of Epirus

A flock of 244 hill sheep of the indigenous Boutsko breed of Epirus (NW of Greece), 1-6 years old, kept under a transhumance system, was used to study their morphological and reproductive characteristics for a period of 14 months (March -June of next year). The results of the study could be summarized as follows: 1) The Boutsko sheep studied is a rather small indigenous hill breed (mature body weight of ewes=40,7±0,37 Kg and rams = 54,4±l,82 Kg) with hardness, longevity, early maturity and high adaptability to the harsh environmental conditions of being its most important characteristics. 2) The mating period begins relatively early (June) lasts until September, with ewes being mated first, followed by ewe hoggs and gimmers. 3) Pregnancy duration was 144,3 ±0,09 and 146,5± 0,07 days for the ewes bearing twin and single Iambs, respectively (P&lt;0,001) and 144,0 and 145,9±0,12 days for the gimmers bearing twin and single lambs, respectively (P&lt;0,05). Body condition score of animals at the end of pregnancy remained satisfactory (3.25 ±0,14). 4) Fertility of the animals was high. All females were mated and lambed. Lambing rate at birth and at weaning was 1,25 and 1,04, respectively.

Heritability estimates for average daily gain and kleiber ratio in deccani sheep

To study the factors affecting average daily gain (ADG) and Kleiber ratio (KR) and to estimate the heritability for these traits, data of 1294 Deccani lambs maintained at ICAR-Network Project on Sheep Improvement, MPKV, Rahuri (Maharashtra) were used. The least-squares means for ADG1 (birth to weaning) and ADG 2 (weaning to six months of age) were 123.28±0.82 and 83.17±1.07 g, respectively. The least-squares means for KR 1 (ADG 1/weaning weight0.75) and KR 2 (ADG 2/six month weight0.75) were 16.47±0.05 and 8.02±0.09, respectively. Year and season of birth, sex of lamb and ewe's weight at lambing had significant (P<0.01) influence on ADG and KR with some exceptions. The estimates of heritability for ADG1, ADG2, KR1 and KR2 were low to medium (0.07±0.04, 0.14±0.06, 0.04±0.04 and 0.16±0.06, respectively) suggesting low genetic variability in the studied population. Adoption of suitable measures to reduce environmental variability can be helpful in achieving desirable growth during pre-and post-weaning period in Deccani sheep.

Impacts of using a precision livestock system targeted approach in mountain sheep flocks

Although mountain sheep systems suffer from climatic and environmental handicaps that constrain productivity and economic viability, they have an important economic role, maintain habitats and species of high nature conservation value and support the provision of a range of ecosystem services of benefit to society. Using Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) in extensive mountain sheep systems could bring benefits for animal performance, economical performance and labour. This paper presents results from a 3 year experiment where PLF principles were implemented on an extensive mountain sheep farm and an assessment made of whether or not such an approach could benefit more marginal sheep systems. A 900 ewe flock (600 Scottish Blackface ewes, 300 Lleyn ewes) was divided equally into two separate systems, one where the flock was managed conventionally (CON) at group level, and the other where the individuals in the flock were subjected to a PLF management protocol where electronic weighing, recording and drafting equipment were used, linked to the electronic identification (EID) tags of the animals. Two main management strategies were compared and contrasted; one relating to winter feeding of the pregnant ewes, the other relating to anthelmintic treatment of lambs during the summer. Yearly labour profiles were created by measuring the time spent doing individual tasks associated with the two management systems. Net margins (£/ewe) were calculated for the two systems. Additionally, the yearly labour profiles were scaled-up using commercial data to quantify potential labour savings on more traditionally managed mountain farms if PLF principles were adopted. Analyses indicated that the two different management systems did not result in any significant difference in terms of ewe weights, mid-pregnancy scanning figures, ewe and lamb mortality rates, or lamb weight post-weaning. However, the proportion of lambs needing anthelmintic treatment was significantly reduced by 40% between the CON and the PLF, resulting in a reduction of 46% in the amount of anthelmintic used. Over a whole year, the total amount of labour required in the PLF management system was reduced by 36%. Across the 3 years, the net margin for the two systems showed an average difference of £3/ewe higher in the PLF. For a more traditional farm embracing a PLF approach, analyses suggested labour reduction of 19%, equating to £1.60/ewe savings. This study shows that it is beneficial for farmers to consider managing a mountain ewe flock at an individual rather than at flock or batch level using PLF technology.

Effects of Posidonia oceanica banquettes on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and metabolic profiles in sheep.

The marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) (PO) has been demonstrated in goats to be a source of fibre. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of introducing this marine plant as a substitute for barley straw in the feed of mature ewes, assessing the effects of its addition on intake, digestibility and ruminal fermentation and on the ewes' metabolic profiles (energy and protein). PO was used at 75 g day-1 per ewe (15% of the total forage), 150 g day-1 per ewe (30% of the total forage) and 300 g day-1 per ewe (60% of the total forage). Substitution of 15% of the forage with PO has no negative consequences on dry matter intake, final live weight and metabolic status in mature ewes; in addition, PO may improve the animal's nitrogen utilisation. The upper limit of substitution was 30%, where only few changes were noted without metabolic consequences. Substitution of 60% impaired performance and affects tissue functions in the animal's body. Moderate quantities of barley straw (between 75 and 150 g day-1 per ewe) can be replaced by PO in feed rations for mature ewes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Estimates of direct and maternal (co)variance components as well as genetic parameters of growth traits in Nellore sheep.

In the present study, (co)variance components and genetic parameters in Nellore sheep were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method using six different animal models with various combinations of direct and maternal genetic effects for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6-month weight (6MW), 9-month weight (9MW) and 12-month weight (YW). Evaluated records of 2075 lambs descended from 69 sires and 478 dams over a period of 8years (2007-2014) were collected from the Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, India. Lambing year, sex of lamb, season of lambing and parity of dam were the fixed effects in the model, and ewe weight was used as a covariate. Best model for each trait was determined by log-likelihood ratio test. Direct heritability for BW, WW, 6MW, 9MW and YW were 0.08, 0.03, 0.12, 0.16 and 0.10, respectively, and their corresponding maternal heritabilities were 0.07, 0.10, 0.09, 0.08 and 0.11. The proportions of maternal permanent environment variance to phenotypic variance (Pe2) were 0.07, 0.10, 0.07, 0.06 and 0.10 for BW, WW, 6MW, 9MW and YW, respectively. The estimates of direct genetic correlations among the growth traits were positive and ranged from 0.44(BW-WW) to 0.96(YW-9MW), and the estimates of phenotypic and environmental correlations were found to be lower than those of genetic correlations. Exclusion of maternal effects in the model resulted in biased estimates of genetic parameters in Nellore sheep. Hence, to implement optimum breeding strategies for improvement of traits in Nellore sheep, maternal effects should be considered.

Acute and Subchronic Oral Toxicity Studies of an Ethanol/Water Extract of &lt;i&gt;Euphorbia scordifolia &lt;/i&gt;Jacq (Euphorbiaceae) in Mice and in Rats

Euphorbia scordifoliais used in Cameroon as galactagogue and in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This work was undertaken to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicities of ethanol/water extract ofEuphorbia scordifolia(EWEs). Acute toxicity study was carried out by oral administration of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 g/kg body weight of EWEs to mice in the respective groups. Subchronic toxicity study was conducted by oral administration of the extract at daily doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg body weight to another group of rats for 28 days, while rats in the control group received 10 mL/kg body weight of distilled water. Following the 28-day treatment, the rats were sacrificed for hematological, biochemical and histopathology studies. In the acute toxicity study, EWEs was found to be non-toxic at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. The subchronic treatment with EWEs did not alter either the body weight gain or the food and water consumption. Biochemical analysis did not show any significant differences in any of the parameters examined in males or females. Hematological analysis showed a significant decrease (P&lt;0.01) in white blood cells and red blood cells in males treated with 100 mg/kg bw and a significant (P&lt;0.01) decrease in hemoglobin and hemoglobin hematocrit in all treated females. Necropsy and histopathological examination revealed some slight hepatic necrosis with the dose 100 mg/kg bw. It would be necessary to use the ethanol/water extract for short periods (&lt;4 weeks). Thus, the plant, at least its ethanol/water extract, could be considered with a wide margin of safety for short-term oral use.

PHYSIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Alterations in uteroplacental hemodynamics during melatonin supplementation in sheep and cattle.

Compromised placental function can result in fetal growth restriction which is associated with greater risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Large increases in transplacental nutrient and waste exchange, which support the exponential increase in fetal growth during the last half of gestation, are dependent primarily on the rapid growth and vascularization of the uteroplacenta. The amplitude of melatonin secretion has been associated with improved oxidative status and altered cardiovascular function in several mammalian species; however, melatonin mediated alterations of uteroplacental capacity in sheep and cattle are lacking. Therefore, our laboratories are examining uteroplacental blood flow and fetal development during maternal melatonin supplementation. Using a mid- to late-gestation ovine model of intrauterine growth restriction, we examined uteroplacental blood flow and fetal growth during supplementation with 5 mg/d of dietary melatonin. Maternal nutrient restriction decreased uterine arterial blood flow, while melatonin supplementation increased umbilical arterial blood flow compared with non-supplemented controls. Although melatonin treatment did not rescue fetal weight in nutrient restricted ewes; we observed disproportionate fetal size and fetal organ development. Elevated fetal concentrations of melatonin may result in altered blood flow distribution during important time points of development. These melatonin specific responses on umbilical arterial hemodynamics and fetal development may be partially mediated through vascular melatonin receptors. Recently, we examined the effects of supplementing Holstein heifers with 20 mg/d of dietary melatonin during the last third of gestation. Uterine arterial blood flow was increased by 25% and total serum antioxidant capacity was increased by 43% in melatonin supplemented heifers vs. non-supplemented controls. In addition, peripheral concentrations of progesterone were decreased in melatonin supplemented heifers vs. non-supplemented controls. Using an in vitro model, melatonin treatment increased the activity of cytochrome P450 2C, a progesterone inactivating enzyme, which was blocked by treatment with the melatonin receptor antagonist, luzindole. Elucidating the consequences of specific hormonal supplements on the continual plasticity of placental function will allow us to determine important endogenous mediators of offspring growth and development.

Milk Yield and Composition As Affected by Nutritional Manipulations

The objective was to evaluate milk yield, milk composition and milk fatty acids contents of lactating Harri ewes (n=24) receiving different concentrate to roughage (A 80:20; B 60:40; C 40:60 and D 20:80 C:R) rations. The results revealed that no differences (P = 0.29) in body weights of ewes were detected after parturition but body weights declined steadily as ewes continued on lactation. Group D produced more (P &lt; 0.01) milk (1.38±0.5 kg/day) than groups A (0.76±0.5 kg/day), B (0.88±0.5 kg/day) and C (0.66±0.5 kg/day). Yields of milk fat, SNF, protein, lactose and minerals yields (g/day) were greater (P = 0.01) in group D than groups B and C not group A. No differences were found in milk fat, SNF, protein, lactose and minerals percentages (%). Groups D and A had more (P = 0.06) C18:2c (3.15±0.21 and 2.99±0.08 g/100g fat) than group B (1.98±0.54 g/100g fat) not group C (2.72±0.05 g/100g fat). Poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were increased (P&lt;0.01) in groups A and D (4.07±0.18 and 4.49±0.27 g/100g fat) than groups B and C (3.34±0.12 and 3.41±0.23 g/100g fat). Lactating ewes' diet should include adequate ratio of roughage to increase milk yield and improve milk fat composition of unsaturated fatty acids.

Síntesis de calostro y desarrollo de las crías por efecto de la inclusión de aceite de soya en la dieta preparto de ovejas de pelo

El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto del nivel de inclusión de aceite de soya (AS) en la dieta pre-parto de ovejas de pelo sobre la producción y composición del calostro, desarrollo de las crías en los primeros 10 días postparto y la productividad de la oveja al parto. Un grupo de ovejas multíparas preñadas Katahdin x Pelibuey se asignaron a tres tratamientos (n=10), los cuales consistieron en dietas isoenergéticas e isoprotéicas que contenían: 0, 3 y 6 % de AS/kg de materia seca. Las dietas se ofrecieron del día 100 de gestación al parto. El peso y volumen del calostro aumentaron linealmente (P&lt;0.05) conforme el nivel de AS en la dieta incrementó. El resto de las variables no presentaron efectos lineales ni cuadráticos (P&gt;0.05) por nivel de AS. Entre ovejas alimentadas con y sin AS, o entre ovejas alimentadas con 3 y 6 % de AS, no se observaron diferencias (P&gt;0.05) en peso vivo y condición corporal de las ovejas, así como en la composición del calostro, peso al nacimiento de las crías ni en peso de camada al parto. Se concluye que la adición de 3 o 6 % de AS en la dieta preparto de ovejas de pelo no afectó la composición del calostro, el desarrollo de las crías ni la productividad de la oveja, pero sí afectó la producción de calostro, siendo éste mayor usando un nivel de 6 % de AS en la dieta.

Comparison of two long acting pre-lambing anthelmintic treatments on the productivity of ewes in low body condition

AIM: To determine if there was a benefit from treating ewes with a low body condition score (BCS) with long acting anthelmintic products pre-lambing and to compare the effects of two commonly used treatment options.METHODS: The study was conducted on a single commercial hill country sheep and beef property in the central North Island of New Zealand. Mixed age twin-bearing ewes were preselected by the farmer as being in poor condition 4 weeks before the planned start of lambing, and were sequentially drafted into three equal groups identified with coloured ear tags. The negative control group (n=199) received no anthelmintic treatment; the other two groups received either a controlled release capsule (CRC) containing abamectin, albendazole, Se and Co (n=200) or a long-acting injection of moxidectin (n=200). All ewes were body condition scored (1–5 scale) and weighed at pre-lambing, docking (65 days after treatment) and at weaning (127 days after treatment). Faecal nematode egg counts (FEC) were carried out on 10 ewes from each group at these three times. Most lambs were matched to the ewe treatment groups at weaning, and weighed.RESULTS: At weaning the mean body weight of ewes treated with moxidectin was 3.2 (95% CI=2.3–4.3) kg heavier than controls, and of ewes treated with CRC was 3.6 (95% CI=2.5–4.5) kg heavier than control ewes (p<0.001). At the start of the trial only 61/599 (10.2%) ewes had a BCS≥3. At weaning, more ewes treated with CRC (140/194; 72%) or moxidectin (122/187; 65%) had a BCS≥3 than control ewes (55/179 (31%); p<0.001). In lambs that were matched with ewes from the treatment groups, the mean weight at weaning of lambs from ewes treated with moxidectin was 2.6 (95% CI=1.9–3.3) kg heavier, and from ewes treated with CRC was 2.6 (95% CI=1.9–3.4) kg heavier than lambs from control ewes (p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treating twin-bearing ewes with low BCS pre-lambing with long acting anthelmintic treatments (moxidectin long acting injection or CRC) resulted in an increase in mean body weight of the ewes and lambs at weaning. There were no significant differences between the two pre-lambing treatments used. These results were based on a single property and thus cannot be generalised to all properties where management conditions and parasite populations may differ.

At slaughtering and post mortem characteristics on Traditional market ewes and Halal market ewes in Tuscany.

BackgroundThe aim of this work was the comparison between the carcass and the meat ewes of the regional Traditional market and the Islamic religious (Halal) market.MethodsThirty and 20 at the end of career traditional market and Halal market ewes were slaughtered following the EC (European Council, 2009) animal welfare guidelines. Live weight of ewes was taken and dressing percentage of carcasses was calculated. On every carcass zoometric measurement and the evaluation trough the EU grid rules were performed. On the Musculus longissimus thoracis of 12 Traditional market carcasses and 11 Halal market carcasses the physical-chemical and nutritional analysis were performed. Consumer tests for liking meat ewe were performed in order to find consumer’s preference level for Traditional and Halal markets ewe meat. Considering as fixed factor the ewe meat market (Traditional and Halal), results were submitted to oneway Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and to Principal Component Analysis (PCA).ResultsThe Halal market ewes have shown lower dressing percentages (42.91 ± 0.82 vs 46.42 ± 0.69) and lower conformation score (4.5 ± 0.5 vs 7.8 ± 0.4). The Halal market meat showed higher cooking loss in oven (37.83 ± 1.20 vs 32.03 ± 1.15 %), lesser Chroma value (18.63 ± 0.70 vs 21.84 ± 0.67), and lesser Hue angle value (0.26 ± 0.02 vs 0.34 ± 0.02). This product had also lower fat percentage (4.2 ± 0.4 vs 7.09 ± 0.4). The traditional market meat had higher percentage in monounsatured fatty acids (MUFA) (43.84 ± 1.05 vs 38.22 ± 1.10), while the Halal market meat had higher percentage in ω3 poliunsatured fatty acids (PUFA) (5.04 ± 0.42 vs 3.60 ± 0.40). The consumer test showed as the ewe meat was appreciate by the consumers.ConclusionsBoth meat typologies have shown good nutritional characteristics. The traditional market meat had higher MUFA composition, and a better MUFA/satured fatty acids (SFA) ratio, while the Halal market meat had higher PUFA composition. These results were also supported by the PCA. The consumers preferred the traditional market meat.

Integrated parasite management improves control of gastrointestinal nematodes in lamb production systems in a high summer-rainfall region, on the Northern Tablelands, New South Wales

This experiment tested the hypothesis that integrated parasite management (IPM) programs would reduce the effects of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in meat-breed lamb production systems on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. The experiment was a longitudinal experiment using twin-bearing Border Leicester × Merino ewes on farms managed in accordance to either regional WormBoss IPM programs (n = 3 farms) or typical (TYP) regional GIN control (n = 2 farms). Ewes on each farm were either GIN-suppressed (SUP; n = 120 ewes) or not (NSUP; n = 120 ewes) and were managed in two groups (n = 120/group) balanced for GIN control. Ewes lambed in September and at lamb marking, 120 lambs (Dorset sires) from each ewe GIN control group were enrolled in the experiment to investigate the effect of ewe GIN control on lamb performance up to weaning. Overall mean worm egg count (WEC) of ewes (P = 0.004) was lower with IPM (IPM 766 vs TYP 931 epg) and was achieved with fewer drenches (IPM 4.5 vs TYP 5.5/year). Despite lower WEC, GIN infection reduced liveweight (IPM –2.1 kg vs TYP –1.1 kg, P = 0.0006) and clean fleece weight (IPM –0.11 kg vs TYP –0.01 kg, P = 0.03) of ewes to a greater extent on IPM farms. The annual rate of apparent ewe mortality was 6.5% and this was unaffected by GIN infection. WEC of lambs at weaning was lower on IPM farms (IPM 159 epg vs TYP 322, P &lt; 0.0001) but the difference in weaning weights of lambs reared by NSUP and SUP ewes was greater on IPM farms (IPM –1.1 kg vs TYP 0.2 kg, P &lt; 0.0001). Overall, the production loss due to GIN infection in these sheep-meat production systems, on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, was small and treatment frequency can be reduced by IPM programs.

Effect of parity and type of lambing on performance and udder traits of Bandirma ewes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of parity and lambing type on body condition score (BCS), live weight of ewes (LWE), daily milk yield (DMY), lambs growth performance and udder measurement of ewes during first 3 months of lactation in Bandirma ewes. Bandirma ewes (78) with healthy udders and their lambs (117 heads) were used. BCS of ewes was affected significantly by lambing types at first and third months of lactation, while lambing types were not significant in second month of lactation. Parity of ewes did not significantly affected BCS except third month of lactation which was significantly affected by parity. Effects of lambing types and parity of ewes were significant on BCS at first and third month of lactation. Live weight change of ewes was affected significantly by parity, while lambing types were not significant at first 3 months of lactation. There was a significant effect of parity on average daily milk yield at early lactation stage. Also lambing type had significant effect on DMY at first 2 months of lactation. DMY at third month of lactation were not affected by lambing types. Parity affected lambs growth performance in the first three months of lactation. No significant differences between lambing type and parity of ewes in udder measurement, except udder circumference (UC) measure which was significantly affected by parity and lambing types. The effects of parity of ewes were significant on udder circumference and udder width while the other udder traits were not significant. The effects of birth type of ewes were significant on udder width while the other udder traits were not significant. The positive and significant correlations were observed between udder circumference and udder width and daily milk yield in Bandirma sheep. Significant positive phenotypic correlations were determined between lambs live weight (LLW) and LWE, BCS and DMY, LLW and LWE, DMY and LWE. The results suggested that early stage of lactation of ewe’s can be feed supplemented with high energy or high protein for increasing milk production. The control of these physiological stages of ewe may be improved BSC and DMY, also growth performance of lambs. Hence, we recommend that early stage of lactation performance and udder measurements of ewes are to be taken into consideration for selection programme of Bandirma sheep.

Dietary -carbamylglutamate and rumen-protected -arginine supplementation ameliorate fetal growth restriction in undernourished ewes.

This study was conducted with an ovine intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) model to test the hypothesis that dietary -carbamylglutamate (NCG) and rumen-protected -Arg (RP-Arg) supplementation are effective in ameliorating fetal growth restriction in undernourished ewes. Beginning on d 35 of gestation, ewes were fed a diet providing 100% of NRC-recommended nutrient requirements, 50% of NRC recommendations (50% NRC), 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 20 g/d RP-Arg (providing 10 g/d of Arg), and 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 5 g/d NCG product (providing 2.5 g/d of NCG). On d 110, maternal, fetal, and placental tissues and fluids were collected and weighed. Ewe weights were lower ( < 0.05) in nutrient-restricted ewes compared with adequately fed ewes. Maternal RP-Arg or NCG supplementation did not alter ( = 0.26) maternal BW in nutrient-restricted ewes. Weights of most fetal organs were increased ( < 0.05) in RP-Arg-treated and NCG-treated underfed ewes compared with 50% NRC-fed ewes. Supplementation of RP-Arg or NCG reduced ( < 0.05) concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, triglycerides, and ammonia in serum of underfed ewes but had no effect on concentrations of lactate and GH. Maternal RP-Arg or NCG supplementation markedly improved ( < 0.05) concentrations of AA (particularly arginine-family AA and branched-chain AA) and polyamines in maternal and fetal plasma and in fetal allantoic and amniotic fluids within nutrient-restricted ewes. These novel results indicate that dietary NCG and RP-Arg supplementation to underfed ewes ameliorated fetal growth restriction, at least in part, by increasing the availability of AA in the conceptus and provide support for its clinical use to ameliorate IUGR in humans and sheep industry production.

The effect of ewe body condition at lambing on growth of lambs and colostral specific gravity

Abstract. This study was carried out on 60 Norduz ewes to determine the effect of ewe body condition at lambing on growth of lambs and colostral specific gravity. Body condition score (BCS), ranging from 2.5 to 3.5, had no effect on lamb live weight at birth, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of age (P &gt; 0.05). The average colostral specific gravity determined as 1.049 was not affected by body condition of ewes. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.436) was observed between condition score and live weight of ewes (P &lt; 0.001). The results of this study suggest that BCS is not a reliable estimator of live weight for Norduz ewes.

Vitamin E supplementation of undernourished ewes pre- and post-lambing reduces weight loss of ewes and increases weight of lambs.

The aim of this study was to test if vitamin E supplementation during late gestation and early lactation would affect the weight of ewes under nutritional restriction and the performance of their lambs. Mature Rambouillet ewes (n = 37) were fed a diet that supplied 70% of the energy and 80% of recommended protein requirements and randomly assigned to either vitamin E (vit E, n = 20, 4IU of α-tocopherol kg(-1) of live weight) or control (n = 17, without vitamin E supplementation). During the experimental period, the mean weight of ewes decreased from 74.6 ± 2.4 to 58.1 ± 2.2kg. Weight loss of ewes was slightly less for the vit E than the control (-65 vs -124gday(-1), SEM = 46; P = 0.07). Lambs born from vit E-supplemented ewes were heavier than lambs from the control and grew significantly faster (239 vs 195gday(-1), SEM = 29.3, P < 0.05) with heavier weights at weaning (16.5 vs 13.5kg, SEM = 1.8, P < 0.05). Besides, birth weight, weaning weight and daily weight gain favoured to single lambs and to male lambs (P < 0.05). Weaning weight was positively correlated to birth weight (P < 0.05) and weight gain (P < 0.001). When the nutrient requirements for ewes are not met, supplementation of vitamin E during late gestation and early lactation might be an effective strategy to minimise ewe weight loss as well as to increase lamb growth.