HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Botkin, M. P. Articles by Lang, R. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Botkin, M. P. Articles by Lang, R. L.

Influence of Severe Dietary Restriction during the Dry Period on Subsequent Ewe Productivity¹

University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071

Abstract

Results of a 2-year study to evaluate severe diet restriction during the dry period (from weaning until the next breeding season) revealed that subsequent ewe productivity was reduced even though the diet was adequate the remainder of the time. Lambing percent was 22% lower for the restricted group than for the control group after the first year and 52% lower after the second year of the restricted diet treatment. Average weight loss of ewes on the restricted diet was 2.4 kg during about 4 months from weaning time until flushing prior to the next breeding season. Ewes in the control group gained an average of 11.2 kg during the same period. Birth weights and weaning weights of lambs as well as fleece weights of ewes were not significantly influenced by treatment.

Diet restriction was accomplished by overgrazing small fenced dryland pastures which had been seeded to crested wheatgrass several years prior to the start of the experiment. The influence of this severe overgrazing for 4 consecutive years on pasture growth in the spring and on ground cover of major plant species was insignificant.

¹ Published with approval of Director, Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Article No. 923.

² Division of Animal Science.

³ Division of Plant Science.