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Supplemental Needs of Pregnants Ewes Wintered on Fescue Pasture^{1 ,2 ,3,}

Purdue University, W. Lafayette, Indiana 47907

Abstract

Two experiments involving 243 pregnant ewes were conducted to compare various supplemental programs for ewes wintered on fescue pasture. Three pasture treatments were compared with ewes confined to drylot with ad libitum alfalfa haylage. The pasture treatments consisted of no supplement; ewes pastured on fescue plus 1 lb (454 g) of alfalfa haylage per head daily; and ewes pastured on fescue plus liquid high urea supplement ad libitum. Free choice mineral mixtures were available in all treatments and limited shelled corn (.67 or .75 lb, or 304 or 339 g) was supplied to the ewes during the late gestation period. With the same pastures, there was a variation in the protein content (7.8 and 10.8%) between the 2 years. Ewes on fescue pasture, with or without protein supplementation, maintained their weight, even during middle to late gestation. Wool production was not affected by any of the four treatments. Birth weights of lambs was greatest (P<.05) for ewes fed alfalfa haylage in dry lot, ad libitum except for those from ewes with access to a liquid-mix in year 1. Number of lambs born per ewe was not significantly different among treatments but lamb deaths during the first 7 days were less (P<.05) for ewes in drylot or for those with access to the liquid mix, on pasture, in 1 year.

¹ Journal Paper No. 6076, Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station.

² The authors acknowledge the assistance of W. L. LeGrand and D. M. Blanch in caring for the sheep, and of Mrs. A. M. Bales for the laboratory analyses.

³ Appreciation is expressed to the Indiana Farm Bureau Cooperative Association, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana, who furnished lick tanks utilized in the research.