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Performance of Sheep under Rotational and Continuous Grazing on Hill Pastures¹

Oregon State University², Corvallis 97331

Abstract

Seasonal live weights of Romney ewes and their lambs were monitored under both rotational and continuous grazing programs during 1973 through 1976. Percentage lamb crop and lamb birth weights were also recorded for the two pasture management systems each year.

Grazing management had little effect on either percentage lamb crop or lamb birth weights. Rotational grazing did, however, result in greater lamb weight gains on pasture. Peak lamb live weights were approximately 10% higher under rotational grazing than under continuous grazing. Ewe live weights followed the same trends as lamb weights during the green forage period with rotationally grazing ewes gaining weight as well as or better than ewes that grazed continuously. In contrast, rotational grazing tended to depress ewe weights compared to continuous grazing during the dry forage period. These data support the contention that a management system employing rotational grazing during the green feed period and continuous grazing during the remainder of the grazing season is superior to either season long continuous or season long rotational grazing.

¹ Oregon Agr. Exp. Sta. Technical Paper No. 4951.

² Rangeland Resources Program.