Winter feeding of the in-lamb ewe

Abstract

1. Three winter feeding experiments (1954–57) were carried out using small flocks of Border Leicester x Cheviot ewes tupped by a Suffolk ram.2. The feeds used were various combinations of (a) silage, (b) hay, (c) ‘winter grass’, and (d)concentrates. Their value in late pregnancy was compared in terms of performance of the ewe and the birth weight of the lambs.3. In addition, in one year (1956–57) the effect of level of nutrition in early pregnancy and during the first 28 days of lactation was studied.4. It was found that ‘winter grass’ could replace silage and hay where a concentrate ration was being fed.5. Satisfactory results were obtained with a concentrate ration of ⅜ lb. per head per day rising to ¾ lb. per head per day by lambing time.6. In the mild winter of 1956–57 a group of ewes produced normal healthy lambs when fed entirely on ‘winter grass’ during the latter half of pregnancy.7. The intensity of grazing of the ewes in early pregnancy affected their live-weight gain, but this seemed to have little effect on lamb production.8. A high plane of nutrition during early lactation resulted in a significantly greater live-weight gain of lambs over this period. The difference had been reduced to a non-significant level by mid-June.9. None of the treatments imposed had any very marked effect on the nematode egg-output of the ewes.