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Performance of Ewes and Lambs in Confinement¹

South Dakota State University, Brookings 57006

Abstract

Two-Hundred-Sixteen yearling white-faced western ewes were used to compare performance of ewes confined in drylot (dirt or slotted floor) with those pastured during the summer and in drylot in the winter. There were fewer dry ewes (P<.05) in the pasture than in the confinement groups. Ewes on pasture tended to produce more lambs per ewe bred though this difference was not significant. Rate of gain of lambs from birth to 30 days of age did not differ significantly; however, there was a significant (P<.05) difference at weaning with the lambs on slotted floors gaining most. Adjustment for twinning rate was not made. Pasture treated ewes produced heavier fleeces than those in confinement; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Parasite egg counts indicated that ewes on pasture had significantly (P<.01) higher infestations of internal parasites than ewes in confinement. No internal parasite eggs were found in lambs.

¹ Approved for publication by the Director, Agricultural Experiment Station, South Dakota State University, Brookings, as Journal Series No. 1083.