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Influence of Early Weaning on Creep-Fed Milk Lambs When Weaned on Weight or Age

Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station,¹ Stillwater

Abstract

Two separate trials of early weaning creep-fed spring lambs grazing wheat pasture were conducted by the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station from 1958–60. In the 1958–59 season one-half of 121 crossbred single and twin lambs was weaned when they reached a minimum weight of 50 lb., and in the 1959–60 season one-half of 104 crossbred single lambs was weaned when they reached a minimum age of 56 days. Lambs were given an estimated live grade and marketed when they reached a minimum weight of 90 lb.

In the 1958–59 season the average weight at weaning was 55 lb. and the average age was 76 days. Little difference in gain of weaned and non-weaned lambs was found during the entire post-weaning period with the greatest influence due to weaning being manifest in the first 2 weeks of the post-weaning period. In the 1959–60 season the average weight at weaning was 46 lb., and the average age was 61 days. Weaning significantly reduced the post-weaning average daily gain of weaned lambs compared to non-weaned lambs. This reduction in growth rate was again greatest during the first 2 weeks of the post-weaning period. Combined results of both trials suggested that lambs less than 70 days old are too young to wean without influencing their subsequent gain regardless of their weight. However, single lambs weighing about 50 lb. and at least 70 days old were weaned without influencing their subsequent gain. Twin lambs, which were usually older than 70 days when they reached approximately 50 lb., showed no significant decrease in average daily gain due to weaning. Average estimated live grades at marketing appeared not to be influenced by weaning in either year.

¹ In cooperation with Animal Husbandry Research Division, A.R.S., U.S.D.A.