Open AccessEwe reproductive performance and growth rate of suckling-lambs on endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass pasture
Author(s) -
Richard H. Watson,
R. G. Keogh,
Michael McDonald
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
grassland research and practice series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2463-4751
pISSN - 0110-8581
DOI - 10.33584/rps.7.1999.3402
Subject(s) - pasture , perennial plant , grazing , biology , weaning , zoology , agronomy , endophyte , mating , botany , ecology
Two groups (n=39) of Romney breeding ewes were maintained under the same grazing management on either endophyte-infected (E+) or endophytefree (E-) perennial ryegrass pasture for two years (1997-1998) following a one-year equilibration period. The ewes were naturally mated in March each year and ovulation rate at 1st mating was measured, and conception and the number of lambs born and weaned were recorded. All ewes were weighed monthly and lamb growth rates were determined between birth and weaning. Mean mating date was delayed by 1.8 days (P