Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-rdxmf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T09:33:59.370Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

A note on the effect of post-mating stocking rate on reproductive performance of Greyface ewes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

R. G. Gunn ,
T. J. Maxwell ,
W. F. Smith ,
R. D. M. Agnew ,
C. D. Kerr  and
D. A. Sim
R. G. Gunn
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RF
T. J. Maxwell
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RF
W. F. Smith
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RF
R. D. M. Agnew
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RF
C. D. Kerr
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RF
D. A. Sim
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RF
Get access

Abstract

Continuously grazed rye grassl clover swards with surface heights of 8 to 10 cm at 5 weeks before a synchronized mating and 7·5 cm at mating were grazed by 151 Greyface ewes stocked at 12 per ha until mating. The effects of two stocking rates (eight and 16 ewes per ha) for 6 weeks over the mating and post-mating period were then studied on live weight, body condition and reproductive peformance. Sward height fell more rapidly post mating when stocked at 16 ewes per ha than at eight ewes per ha, but remained above 3·5 cm until 4 weeks after first mating under both rates. Ewes stocked at 16 per ha became significantly lighter and leaner than ewes stocked at eight per ha. There was no significant effect of post-mating stocking rate on reproductive performance in terms of conception rate and lambing rate to first mating or lambing rate to all matings. Reproductive performance of Greyface ewes is therefore unlikely to be adversely affected by post-mating stocking rate on swards of 7 to 8 cm which do not fall below 3·5 to 4·0 cm until 3 to 4 weeks after mating.

Keywords

ewesherbagereproductive performancestocking rate
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 52 , Issue 3 , June 1991 , pp. 548 - 550
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1991

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Barthram, G. T. 1986. Experimental techniques: the HFRO sward stick. Hill Farming Research Organisation, Biennial Report 1984-85, pp. 29–30.Google Scholar
Gunn, R. G., Doney, J. M., Agnew, R. D. M., Smith, W. F. and Sim, D. A. 1990. The effect of different pasture management strategies during the weaning-tomating period on reproductive performance of Greyface ewes. Animal Production 51: 163–171.Google Scholar
Gunn, R. G., Smith, W. F., Agnew, R. D. M., Smith, A. D. M. and Sim, D. A. 1991. Net production of herbage from a continuously-stocked Lolium perennedominated sward in late autumn. Grass and Forage Science In Press.Google Scholar
Hodgson, J. and Maxwell, T. J. 1982. Grazing research and grazing management. Hill Farming Research Organisation Biennial Report, 1979-1981 (ed. Gunn, R. G.), pp. 169–187.Google Scholar
Milne, J. A., Dove, H. and Sibbald, A. M. 1989. Nutritive value of perennial ryegrass swards grazed by sheep in autumn in the UK. XVIth International Grassland Congress, France In Press.Google Scholar