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Effect of Energy as Supplied by Hay or High-Concentrate Rations and Frequency of Feeding on Performance of Ewes¹

University of Minnesota, St. Paul

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted with ewes weighing 67 to 73 kg. to determine the effects on wool and lamb production of a submaintenance ration supplied as either an all-hay or a high-concentrate (HC) ration (equal parts of hay and concentrate) during the summer nonlactating period, followed by similar type rations fed at about maintenance levels during the gestation period. Each type of ration was fed either daily or three times weekly. The apparent digestible energy (ADE) supplied by the hay ration provided approximately 1000 kcal. more per ewe daily than the HC ration during both the nonlactating and gestation periods.

In the first trial ewes fed the all-hay ration received 2463 kcal. ADE per ewe daily and lost 4.7 to 7.3 kg. per ewe during the summer dry period. Ewes fed the HC ration received 1510 kcal. ADE per ewe daily and lost 9.4 to 10.1 kg. per ewe during the summer dry period. Weight changes between treatments were significantly (P<.01) different. During the gestation period hay rations provided 3478 kcal. and HC rations provided 2338 kcal. per ewe daily. Weight changes during this period were not significantly different between treatments and averaged approximately 11 and 14 kg. gain for ewes fed the hay rations and HC rations, respectively.

In the second trial hay rations provided approximately 3000 kcal. and HC rations provided 1800 kcal. per ewe daily during the summer dry period and resulted in weight losses of approximately 1 and 5 kg., respectively. Weight changes between treatments were significantly (P<.01) different. During gestation approximately 3930 and 3030 kcal. per ewe daily were provided by the hay and the HC rations, respectively. Weight gains were not significantly different and averaged 18.8 and 16.5 kg. per ewe, respectively.

Average weight changes during both periods, lamb birth weights and lamb weights at 30 days were not affected significantly by the kind of ration fed or frequency of feeding. Wool production during the first year was significantly (P<.05) reduced by the HC ration.

¹ Paper No. 5667. Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Acknowledgment is made to G. S. Ranhotra for conducting the digestion trial.