The effect of the reproductive state of ewes on their voluntary intake of diets varying in straw content

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Abstract
Summary: Two experiments, involving a total of 112 sheep, are described, in which ewes at different reproductive states were given complete diets with a varying grain: straw ratio. In Expt 1 ewes at three reproductive states (dry, pregnant and lactating) were given diets with four levels of coarsely ground oat straw (10, 25, 40 and 55% straw). In Expt 2 ewes in five reproductive states (early pregnancy, mid pregnancy, late pregnancy, lactation and dry) were given a basal diet similar to that given in Expt 1 but with five levels of straw (15, 25, 36, 45 and 55% straw).The results showed that the intake of ewes varied with reproductive state, the highest intakes occurring during lactation. No significant diet × reproductive state interaction was observed which suggests that in ewes the physiological state can override some of the physical limitations to intake imposed by increased dietary roughage concentration.