Open AccessMAXIMIZING SHEEP PRODUCTION FROM GRASSLAND
Author(s) -
P. V. Rattray
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
proceedings of the new zealand grassland association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1179-4577
pISSN - 0369-3902
DOI - 10.33584/jnzg.1981.42.1560
Subject(s) - pasture , productivity , stocking , silage , stocking rate , biology , agronomy , grassland , zoology , stock (firearms) , geography , economics , macroeconomics , archaeology
Levels of sheep production/ha obtained on research farmlets have been considerably greater than those obtained on farms on similar land, probably because the higher stocking rates used resulted in greater levels of pasture utilization. Rate of growth early in life influences potential productivity of the mature breeding ewe. Good rearing and the use of genetically superior stock both appear essential for maximizing production. Short-term studies have identified critical periods when level of feeding could have a potential impact on over-all productivity. Such work has re-emphasized the potential importance of feeding premating especially for reducing liveweight loss and for light ewes. Optimum pasture conditions for flushing have been defined, along with the possible role of supplements such as wilted silage.