Performance of early-weaned lambs on lucerne and pasture
P.V. Rattray, M.C.L. Morrison and P.A. Farquhar
Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, Hamilton
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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1976, 36: 179-183
Three experiments are described where lambs were weaned at the
following ages: 4, 6 and 8; 3.5 and 12; and 4, 6 and 8 weeks,
respectively, on to lucerne and in the third experiment on to lucerne or
ryegrass/white clover pasture, In the third experiment the lambs weaned
at 4 weeks of age were 2.6kg lighter than the later waned (8 week) lambs
at 18 weeks, and had a higher mortality rate. The growth rate of the
early-weaned lambs in the second experiment was approximately 50% of the
growth rate of the late-weaned lambs and many of the former died of
starvation. In the third experiment there were no death and growth of
the early-weaned lambs (4 weeks) was satisfactory on both lucerne and
pasture, although they were approximately 1.0 and 2.0kg lighter,
respectively, than later weaned lambs (8 weeks) at 12 weeks. Lucerne-fed
lambs gained at higher rates, being 1.5 to 2.5kg heavier at 12 weeks.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 24-08-2000
