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The effect of different housing systems and feeding regimes on the performance and rectal temperature of sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

K. Bøe ,
J. J. Nedkvitne  and
D. Austbø
K. Bøe
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural University of Norway, Box 65, N-1432 Ås-NLH, Norway
J. J. Nedkvitne
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Norway, Box 25, N-1432 Ås-NLH, Norway
D. Austbø
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Norway, Box 25, N-1432 Ås-NLH, Norway
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Abstract

The effect of insulated (IN) and uninsulated (UN) buildings on food intake, performance and body temperature of sheep was studied over 4 years. The lowest average monthly temperature was -13·1°C. In the UN the temperature was on average 6-6°C higher than outside but the temperature in the IN remained fairly constant and was close to 10°C. Summarized for all 4 years the roughage intake was proportionately 0·02 higher in the UN than in IN (P > 0·05). There was no effect of treatment on weight gain, but the weight of the fleece was higher in IN than in UN (1·74 kg v. 1·66 kg per sheep). The mean age at first oestrus was 222 days. There was no difference in the length of pregnancy and lambing percentage was 185% in both treatments. The average birth weight was higher for lambs born in UN than IN (5·10 v. 4·95 kg), but the weight at weaning was the same. On only one occasion was the rectal temperature lower for ewes in UN than IN before shearing (38·7°C v. 39·2°C). After shearing no effect of treatment was found except for the 1st year, but in year 2 there was an interaction between plane of nutrition and housing. Results clearly indicated that uninsulated buildings are well suited for sheep.

Keywords

ewesfood intakehousinglambing rateshearing
Type
Papers
Information
Animal Production , Volume 53 , Issue 3 , December 1991 , pp. 331 - 337
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1991

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