Production of Prime Lambs from Coopworth Ewes
G.R. McConnell and K.T. Jagusch
Lincoln College, Canterbury
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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1972, 32: 50-53
Three trials were conducted to examine the performance of the
Coopworth ewe as a prime lamb mother. Two hundred crossbred lambs sired
by Dorset Down rams were used. Coopworth crossbred lambs suckled by
their mothers on ryegrass-white clover pasture, and stocked at 22
ewes/ha (9/ac), achieved slaughter weights between 80 and 100 days of
age. Growth rates were particularly fast during early lactation (300
g/day), but decreased later to 200 g per day. A breed comparison showed
that Coopworth progeny grew faster at all stages to slaughter than those
from Romney or Merino ewes. In this trial liveweight gains to slaughter
weights were maintained by weaning on to lucerne but Coopworths remained
superior because of heavier birth and weaning weights. Body composition
studies indicated that Coopworth crossbred lambs were earlier maturing
than those of Romneys.
It was concluded that interbreeding programmes aimed at up- grading New
Zealand prime lamb flocks should include parameters in the selection
index that relate to meatiness.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 24-08-2000
