Effect of feeding at different levels of single or twin pregnant konya merino ewes on the live weights, body condition of ewes and growth of lambs
<b>Aim:</b> The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of feeding with ratios containing different nutrient levels of single or twin pregnant ewes during the last gestation on the live weights (LW), body conditions of Konya Merino ewes and growth and survival rate of lambs un...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Selcuk University Press
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| Series: | Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eurasianjvetsci.org/pdf.php3?id=1014 |
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| Summary: | <b>Aim:</b> The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of feeding
with ratios containing different nutrient levels of single or twin
pregnant ewes during the last gestation on the live weights (LW),
body conditions of Konya Merino ewes and growth and survival rate
of lambs until weaning.<p>
<b>Materials and Methods:</b> For this aim, first, 120 ewes were synchronized
with hormone at mating season (September) and mated. After
pregnancy statuses of ewes were determined via ultrasound imaging,
54 single and 54 twin pregnant ewes were separated 6 subgroups
(3 singles, 3 twins). After, this ewes were fed until birth with 6
different rations (containing different nutrients levels) according to
daily nutrient requirement of NRC (100%), below (80%) or above
(120%) as groups during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy.<p>
<b>Results:</b> In the study, the differences between live weights and body
condition scores of ewes before birth were significant (P<0.05).
When examined the live weights of lambs born from ewes fed different
level during the last pregnancy, differences between the single
and twin groups were significant (P<0.05). But, when singles and
twins were analysed separately, differences between the groups
were not (P>0.05) significant. Also, survival rates of lambs until weaning
insignificant (P>0.05).<p>
<b>Conclusion:</b> As a result, it can be said that feeding of Konya Merino
ewes during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy with ration about 80% of
the level of daily nutrient requirements recommended by NRC may
be sufficient for optimal growth of lambs until weaning. |
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| ISSN: | 1309-6958 2146-1953 |