Nutrition of the ewe in early lactation

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Abstract
A series of trials was conducted to determine the effect on lamb growth rates of restricted nutrition of ewes immediately after lambing. Unrestricted ewes were fed pasture ad libitum. Restricted ewes were stocked on short pasture and fed hay to a total ration approximately half of the feed requirements of the lactating ewe. Restriction for 3 days immediately after lambing had no effect on growth rates and weaning weight. Restriction for 1–1½weeks produced marginal effects in single lambs but did affect twins. Restriction for 3 weeks reduced growth rate and weaning weight, especially in twin lambs. Reduced growth rate occurred only during the period of restriction. The decrease in weaning weight of twins was of the order 1–2 kg. The ewes suffered much larger losses, 5–7 kg, indicating a strong buffering action of the ewe itself.

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