Improvements in growth and carcass conformation through terminal sire crossbreeding systems may improve lamb value in a pasture-based system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of different terminal sires on parasitism, growth, composition, and marketability of grazing lambs. Suffolk (SU; n = 2) and Texel (TX; n = 2) sires were mated to commercial ewes at the WVU Organic Farm. April-born lambs were managed on pasture as one group until weaning in midJune, then were separated into 3 replicates per sire breed. Lambs were rotationally grazed for 93 d with paddock movement every 10 d. Lambs were supplemented at a rate of 2% of bodyweight with a 16% CP corn-soybean meal supplement. Weights were collected at weaning and then weekly for the duration of the study. Fecal egg counts (FEC) and FAMACHA scores were collected biweekly. Lambs were de-wormed when FAMACHA score was ≥ 3. Ultrasound measures of rib eye area (REA) were obtained at study conclusion and lambs were marketed at a graded auction. Sire breed did not impact weaning weight or growth rate throughout the test. Fecal egg count was slightly higher in TX vs. SU-sired lambs (257 vs 191 eggs/g; P < 0.05). FAMACHA scores were lower in TX vs. SU-sired lambs (1.58 vs. 1.96; P < 0.0001). Fewer deworming treatments were necessary in TX-sired lambs at 10% (4/39) whereas as SU-sired lambs required 55% (22/40) (P < 0.0001). TX-sired lambs had greater REA (11.57 vs 9.42 cm2; P < 0.0001) and graded better at the saleyard. Grading was set to a 6 pt scale with higher equating to higher sale price. Lambs sired by TX rams graded 5.2 and SU-sired lambs graded 3.6 (P < 0.0001). These data demonstrate that Texel-sired lambs required fewer dewormer treatments and were compositionally more desirable when marketed
The region and its problems Objects and plan of the work Kind of calves used Feeds used Character of pasture Method of feeding and handling the calves I. Winter rations and their influence on pasture gains of calves Quantity of feed consumed Gains during winter CONTENTS.
College for suggestions and aid. One of the following publications of the Experiment Station may contain the information you need: Bui. 186, Effect of Winter Rations on Pasture Gains of Beef Calves and Yearlings. Bui. 190, Feeding Experiments With Grade Beef Cows. Bui. 191, Effect of Winter Rations on Pasture Gains of Two-Year-Old Steers. Cir. 40, A brief extract of bulletin 191 (8 pages). Bulletins and circulars on other farm problems are also available for distribution. A complete list of available publications will be issued about January 1, 1929. Write for it. Address your request to COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
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