The effects of body weight and its components on lambing performance in some commercial flocks in Britain

Geisler, Pamela A; Fenlon, J. S.

doi:10.1017/s0003356100042550

Cited by 16 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Relatively large numbers of ewes were used, and a direct comparison between just two groups of ewes, differing in condition score and often liveweight, was not made. The present study allowed for the effects of liveweight and condition score of ewes on both birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to be examined over a wide range of liveweights and condition scores under a given A strong positive linear relationship between liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating was observed, supporting the fi ndings of Russel et al (1969), Geisler andFenlon (1979), andSanson et al (1993). A 1.0 unit increase in condition score was associated with a 7.32 kg increase in their liveweight.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Effect of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating, and shearing mid-pregnancy, on birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to weaning

Kenyon¹,

Morel

St³

2004

New Zealand Veterinary Journal

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Liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating had small positive effects on growth rates to weaning of twin lambs. Shearing mid-pregnancy increased birthweights and weaning weights of twin lambs. To achieve high weaning weights of twin lambs, farmers should ensure ewes attain high liveweights and condition scores at mating and shear mid-pregnancy. It is speculated that the effects of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating on weaning weights of twin lambs would be greater than those observed in the present study under conditions in which nutrition of the dam is below optimum.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Effect of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating, and shearing mid-pregnancy, on birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to weaning

Kenyon¹,

Morel

St³

2004

New Zealand Veterinary Journal

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“…Body condition scoring is a relatively easy technique to utilise and does not need specialist equipment. Condition scoring is positively related to liveweight in mature ewes Geisler and Fenlon 1979;Sanson et al 1993;Kenyon et al 2004b). Therefore, it might have been expected that adjusting for ewe lamb liveweight would have removed the observed effect of the condition score.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Proportion of rams and the condition of ewe lambs at joining influences their breeding performance

Kenyon

West

2010

Anim. Prod. Sci.

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The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of ram : ewe lamb ratio and condition score on the reproductive performance of ewe lambs. In the 2007 study, ewe lambs were bred with rams, at ram : ewe lamb ratios of 1 : 30, 1 : 50, 1 : 75 or 1 : 100. In the 2008 study, ewe lambs were bred at ratios of 1 : 31, 1 : 50, 1 : 75 or 1 : 100. Ewe lambs were bred over two 17-day periods. In both studies, ewe lambs bred in the first 17 days of breeding only were heavier (P < 0.05) than those bred in the second 17-day period only, and those ewe lambs diagnosed as twin-bearing were heavier (P < 0.05) than their single-bearing counterparts. Ewe lambs with a condition score of 2.5 or greater were more likely (P < 0.05) to be bred, and be pregnant, in the first 17 days of breeding than those of condition score 1.5 or 2.0. Over the entire 34-day breeding period, ewe lambs with a condition score of 2.5 or greater had higher (P < 0.05) pregnancy rates than those with a condition score of 2.0, which in turn had higher rates than those of 1.5. In the 2007 study, after 34 days of breeding, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in pregnancy rates among the different ram : ewe lamb ratios. While in the 2008 study, pregnancy rates after 34 days were greater (P < 0.05) in the 1 : 50 compared with both the 1 : 75 and 1 : 100 treatments. Pregnancy rates of 1 : 31 ewe lambs were greater (P < 0.05) than those of 1 : 75 ewe lambs. In the 2007 study, pregnancy rates of ewe lambs to the first 17 days of breeding were greater (P < 0.05) for those bred at a ratio of 1 : 75 than for those bred at 1 : 50, and tended to be greater (P = 0.08) than for those bred at 1 : 100. In addition, those bred at a ratio of 1 : 30 tended to have higher pregnancy rates (P = 0.07) than those bred at 1 : 50. While in the 2008 study, pregnancy rates to the first 17 days of breeding were greatest (P < 0.05) in the 1 : 31 and 1 : 50 treatments groups. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that achieving greater liveweights and higher condition scores of ewe lambs at breeding will increase the proportion pregnant, especially early in the breeding period. The data also suggest, in combination with the results of previous research, that farmers should consider utilising ram : ewe lamb ratios lower than 1 : 100, although further studies are warranted.

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“…In summary, the magnitude of the live weight difference per unit BCS differs between breeds. The likely explanations for this include differences in: (1) body size; (2) conformation; (3) standard reference weight; and (4) fat distribution throughout the body Geisler & Fenlon 1979;Russel 1984b). Therefore, given this variation between breeds, individual multipliers are likely to be needed to be developed for each breed across age groups.…”

Section: Scorementioning

confidence: 99%

Review of sheep body condition score in relation to production characteristics

Kenyon

Maloney

Blache

2014

New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research

244

210

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Body condition scoring of sheep was first developed as a technique in the 1960s. Unlike live weight, it circumvents the issues of skeletal size, breed and physiological state and is not influenced by gut fill or the length and wetness of the fleece. This review outlines the use of the technique and the relationships between body condition score and other physical measures. In addition, it summarises the literature, across a range of breeds and environments, on the effects of body condition score on reproductive and lactational performance, and the growth and survival of the offspring to weaning. We have proposed that while the relationship between body condition and production traits is positive, it is unlikely to be linear. Where appropriate, the review outlines areas that would benefit from further research. Finally, it outlines what a suitable body condition score profile might be for a ewe over the entire breeding cycle.

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The effects of body weight and its components on lambing performance in some commercial flocks in Britain

Cited by 16 publications

References 13 publications

Effect of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating, and shearing mid-pregnancy, on birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to weaning

Effect of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating, and shearing mid-pregnancy, on birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to weaning

Proportion of rams and the condition of ewe lambs at joining influences their breeding performance

Review of sheep body condition score in relation to production characteristics

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