J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1971. 33:686-690.
© 1971 American Society of Animal Science
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Influence of Energy Level, Creep Feeding and Lactation Stage on Ewe Milk and Lamb Growth Characters1

L. L. Wilson, H. Varela-Alvarez, Christine E. Hess and M. C. Rugh

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802

Abstract

Thirty Dorset x Merino F1 2-year-old ewes, suckling their first lambs, were allotted to a 3 x 2 factorial of high, moderate or low energy levels (corresponding to 125, 100 or 75% of N.R.C. recommendations) and non-creep-feeding vs. creep-feeding. Mean initial ewe weight and lamb age and weight were 46.3 kg, 5 days and 5.2 kg, respectively. The estimated DE values for the ewe ration and creep feed were 2,881 and 3,300 kcal/kg, respectively, and 12.0 and 14.6% protein. Amount and composition were determined in weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10 of lactation. Week of lactation significantly (P<.01) affected milk quantity and percentages of fat, TS, SNF, protein and kcal/g. Amount of milk and milk GE produced were greatest within week 3.

Energy intake of the ewe significantly (P<.05 or P<.01) affected all milk characters (except SNF percent), ewe weight change and lamb gain. Creep-feeding did not significantly affect any of the ewe milk characters. None of the two-way interactions involving week of lactation, energy level or pre-weaning lamb regime were significant for the milk or weight change characters, indicating that the main effects were essentially additive. However, lamb creep feed consumption was greatest, and kilocalories of creep DE/g lamb gain was least, for the low-energy group.

Footnotes

1 Department of Animal Science, published with the approval of the Director, The Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station, No. 3886 of the Journal Series: number assigned December 4, 1970.






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Copyright © 1971 by the American Society of Animal Science.