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Effects of Double Decking and Space Allowance on the Performance and Behavior of Feeder Lambs¹

University of Illinois, Urbana 61801 and Utah State University, Logan 84322

Abstract

A 2 x 2 factorial experiment was conducted using growing lambs to compare single-level vs double-decked pens and high (.32 m²/lamb) vs low (.48 m²/lamb) densities. Three replicates of each treatment combination were involved using 30 lambs/pen. In the double-decked pens, an upper deck located over the rear section of the lower level provided one-third of the total floor area. Feed and water were provided on the lower level only and lambs could move freely between levels by means of a slatted ramp. All floors were of expanded metal. Use of the various areas of the pens was determined during a 24-h observation and by a videotape recording of the double-decked pens during the daylight hours. Fleece contamination was determined by visual observation and standard wool testing procedures. Gain was determined over the 8-wk period of each replicate. The high density treatment resulted in 1.5 kg/lamb (10%) less gain (P<.01) and, in the case of double-decked pens, different patterns of space utilization compared with the low density treatment. Lambs in the low density pens were able to move more successfully from resting areas to the feeding area in the afternoon (P<.01). The double-decked system did not significantly affect weight gain, but resulted in dirtier fleeces (P<.01). Approximately one-half of the lambs were never observed to use the upper deck, and these individuals had dirtier fleeces than did those that used the upper deck frequently (P<.05). It was concluded that maintaining lambs at a density of .32 m²/lamb resulted in poorer growth and that the addition of an upper deck could be an effective means of reducing density. However, double decking using expanded metal floors resulted in contaminated fleeces.

¹ The authors wish to thank the staff of the sheep unit at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center and A. M. Baker, K. A. Rohde and C. L. Petrie for their assistance.

² Dept. of Anim. Sci., Univ. of Illinois, Urbana 61801.

³ Dept. of Anim., Dairy and Vet. Sci., Utah State Univ., Logan 84322.