Does early pregnancy nutrition affect the performance of triplet-bearing ewes and their progeny to weaning?

Abstract

Triplet-bearing ewes were offered one of three pastoral-based nutritional regimens from day 21 to day 50 of pregnancy (P21 to P50): su3b-maintenance (SM), maintenance (M) or ad lib (AD). From P50 to term, ewes were managed with the aim of ensuring total liveweight increased with expected gravid uterus mass. AD ewes were heavier (PB0.05) and had greater (PB0.05) body condition scores than both SM and M ewes at P50, with the latter two treatments not differing (P ! 0.05). Ewe nutritional treatment had no effect (P!0.05) on lamb birthweight, indices of colostrum uptake or lamb weaning weight. In conclusion, the data suggest that the nutrition of triplet-bearing ewes in the early pregnancy period can be controlled without any deleterious effects to offspring. However, it is important to note that in mid to late pregnancy the ewes were managed to ensure gravid uterus development was not impeded.

Triplet lambs and their dams – a review of current knowledge and management systems

“…A number of studies have examined the impact of ewe nutrition in pregnancy on foetal growth and lamb birthweight (see review Kenyon and Blair 2014) but few have examined impacts in triplets. Kenyon et al (2011b) reported that early pregnancy nutrition had no impact on triplet birth weight. While Fogarty et al (1992) reported minimal to no impacts of mid-pregnancy nutrition.…”

“…Kleeman et al (1993) reported pastoral feeding conditions during mid-pregnancy had no effect on triplet lamb survival. In addition, the results from a series of studies under ryegrass based feeding conditions in early-, mid-and/or late-pregnancy suggest that ewes can be offered a minimum of 2 cm (approximately 800 kg DM/ha), until approximately two weeks pre-lambing,, without negatively affecting lamb survival (Morris and Kenyon 2004;Corner et al 2008;Kenyon et al 2011aKenyon et al , 2011bKenyon et al , 2012Kenyon et al , 2013, as long as intake is not restricted post this point. Interestingly in one of their studies, unrestricted feeding in late pregnancy actually negatively affected triplet survival (Kenyon et al 2012).…”

“…Those which have used unrestricted herbage conditions in lactation, likely impacting on the result observed from pregnancy nutrition. These studies have either reported no effect (Morris and Kenyon 2004;Kenyon et al 2011bKenyon et al , 2013 or only a minor effect (Corner et al 2008;Kenyon et al 2012). Similarly, offering a grain-based concentrate supplement in late pregnancy, had either no (Kenyon et al 2010b;Kerslake et al 2010b) or a minor positive effect (Kerslake et al 2009) on weaning weight.…”

“…However, relatively few studies have examined the impacts of nutrition on triplet ewe bearing/rearing ewes. A series of studies using ryegrass-based pastures have shown that offering minimum pasture sward heights of 2 cm at different stages in pregnancy reduces ewe live weight, body condition score and back fat depth in comparison to minimum sward heights of 4 cm (Morris and Kenyon 2004;Corner et al 2008;Kenyon et al 2011aKenyon et al , 2011bKenyon et al , 2012Kenyon et al , 2013. Morris and Kenyon (2004) reported no further improvement of ewe performance above a 4 cm sward height.…”

An overview of current and potential hill country livestock systems

“…been reported from improved nutritional regimens in early pregnancy if the ewes are subsequently adequately fed in late pregnancy (Kenyon et al 2011b). These results suggest multiple-bearing ewe intakes in early pregnancy can be controlled to save herbage for later in pregnancy, with minimal, if any, impact on animal performance.…”