Influence of breed, number of suckling lambs, and stage of lactation on ewe milk production and lamb growth under range conditions.

Abstract

Milk production and lamb growth were characterized in 118 multiparous, 3- to 7-yr-old Rambouillet, Columbia, Polypay, and Suffolk ewes under spring sage range and high mountain meadow grazing from 28 to 98 d postpartum. Daily milk yield as measured by the lamb suckling weight differential technique did not differ (P greater than .05) among breeds, although milk production of Suffolk ewes tended to be higher than that of the other three breeds. Within the Rambouillet, Columbia, and Polypay breeds, total estimated yield of ewes with twins was 13 to 17% higher than that of ewes with singles, whereas in the Suffolk breed, suckling twins increased total milk yield 61% over that of ewes with singles. Twin lambs induced a larger differential in dam milk production in late lactation (70 to 98 d) than in earlier lactation (28 to 70 d). Number of lambs did not influence milk protein, Ca, or P content (P greater than .05). Fat levels in colostrum and 4-d milk were elevated 14 and 20%, respectively, in ewes suckling twins compared with ewes suckling singles. Under range conditions, Suffolk ewes suckling single or twin lambs lost more BW (12 and 21% of 4-d postpartum body weight, respectively) than Rambouillet (4 and 7%), Columbia (5 and 8%), or Polypay (8 and 8%) ewes. Correlation coefficients of milk production and lamb growth rate were positive and significant (P less than .05) up to 56 d of age. Growth rate was less closely associated with milk production for twin than for single lambs.

Influence of pre and postnatal energy restriction on the productive performance of ewes and lambs

“…Ewes nursing single lambs presented higher average daily milk production (P<0.05), contrarily to the findings of Snowder & Glimp (1991), Ramsey et al (1998) and Cardellino & Benson (2002), who observed higher productions for ewes nursing twins.…”

Centesimal composition of milk and mastitis incidence on grazing and feedlot bergamasca sheep

“…Os resultados obtidos são discordantes aos encontrados por Snowder & Glimp (1991), que verificaram alto teor de lactose aos 28 dias, com queda gradativa ao longo da lactação, conforme a produção diminuiu.…”

Influência do fotoperíodo no consumo alimentar, produção e composição do leite de ovelhas Bergamácia

“…Porém, quando a produção de leite diminuiu, na décima primeira semana de lactação, a porcentagem de lactose do tratamento 2 (fotoperíodo longo) passou a ser menor (Figura 2). Snowder & Glimp (1991) observaram maior teor de lactose aos 28 dias, e redução do mesmo, ao longo da lactação. No que diz respeito aos sólidos totais, constatou-se uma relação inversa entre a produção e a porcentagem dos constituintes do leite.…”