Growth and Mature Weight of Swedish Finewool Landrace Ewes

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Abstract
The average growth curve and individual mature weights were studied for ewes of Swedish Finewool Landrace. The whole material consisted of 7971 weight records from 595 ewes during 1975–1985. Body weight of ewes was recorded five times a year (at housing, in January, one day after lambing, in May and at weaning). The ewes varied in age between 6 months and 6 years. Weights of the ewes varied considerably, both between weighing dates within age, and between different ages. Weight increased from housing until lambing, then it declined, with the lowest weights being observed at weaning. The ewes continued to grow until 4 and 5 years of age, when they approached their mature weight. Individual mature weights were estimated as the asymptote of a negative exponential growth curve. It was concluded that if body weight has been registered on several times each year, this method for estimation of mature weight can be used after the ewe has reached an age of 2 1/2 years.