The effect of early exposure to facial eczema on ewe lifetime production

R.W. Moore; R.M.W. Sumner; B.W. Dow

Whatawhata Research Centre, MAF Technology, Private Bag, Hamilton, New Zealand

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1990, 50: 473-475

Romney, Coopworth and Perendale ewes were accidentally exposed to facial eczema before May 1 hogget mating at 9 months of age. Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels of individual animals were determined on 21 April. The ewes were divided into 3 classes for analysis based on the GGT levels: 1.<100 IU/1;2. 100-350 IU/1; and 3.>350 IU/1. At all matings over 4 years the ewes in class 3 had a lower fertility than class 1. These differences were only significant at the hogget and two-tooth mating. The total number of lambs weaned per ewe mated were class 1-5.0; class 2-4.4; and class 3-4.3 (P<0.1). There were no lifetime effects on fleece weight.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; Ewes; Romney; Coopworth; Perendale; facial eczema; GGT; lifetime; fertility; fleece weight

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Last Updated 25-01-1997