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Influence of Dietary Energy and Protein on Reproductive Performance of Finn-Cross Ewe Lambs¹

University of Nebraska and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Clay Center, 68933

Abstract

Reproductive performance was studied in 462 Finn-cross (1/2 and 3/4) ewe lambs bred to lamb at 1 year of age. Ewe lambs were placed on various rations with an array of crude protein and energy treatments arranged in a factorial design during the growing and breeding period and during the late gestation and lactation period. Ewe lambs gained approximately 100 g per day during the growing and breeding period and averaged 43.4 kg at breeding. Eighty-eight percent of the ewe lambs produced lambs and lambing rate was not significantly influenced by nutritional treatment. Number of lambs born per ewe lambing was greater (P<.05) in ad libitum fed ewe lambs than in ewe lambs restricted to 87.5 and 75% ad libitum feeding levels. During late gestation ewe lambs fed ad libitum gained 1.0 kg and 2.0 kg more than ewe lambs fed 87.5 and 75% ad libitum. Ewe lambs fed ad libitum and 87.5% of ad libitum during late gestation had fewer dead lambs at birth and lambs showed more (P<.1O) vigor at birth than progeny of ewe lambs fed 75% ad libitum. However, average lamb birth weight was not influenced (P>. 10) by ewe nutrition. Ad libitum feeding during lactation increased (P<.01) ewe weight gains, average lamb weight gains and lamb weaning weight. Although ad libitum feeding of ewes resulted in greater lamb preweaning weight gain, lamb mortality was not significantly influenced by feeding level. Finn-cross ewes lambing at 1 year of age require close management during and after lambing or lamb losses may be excessive.

¹ Published as Paper No. 3988 Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station, Lincoln.

² Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center.

³ U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Agricultural Research Service.

⁴ 57 14th Street, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201.