包被叶酸对羔羊生长性能、养分消化和瘤胃发酵特点的影响

本研究探讨了母羊和断奶后羔羊日粮添加包被叶酸对羔羊生长性能、养分消化和瘤胃发酵特征的影响。从120头母羊[(44.5±5.5)kg]分娩的羔羊中选择平均体重为(16.3±3.82)kg的羔羊86只,根据体重、性别随机分为3(母羊日粮叶酸添加水平0、15和30mg/kg)×2(羔羊日粮叶酸添加水平0和5mg/kg)的设计中。结果发现,断奶前羔羊的平均日增重随母羊日粮叶酸添加水平的升高表现为二次曲线升高(P 0.05),而断奶后日粮处理对羔羊干物质摄入量无显著影响(P 0.05)。羔羊日粮添加叶酸能显著提高日增重,降低料重比(P 0.05),同时羔羊日粮添加叶酸能显著提高有机物和粗蛋白质表观消化率(P 0.05)。母羊日粮添加叶酸能显著降低羔羊瘤胃pH,提高挥发性脂肪酸含量(P 0.05)。母羊和羔羊日粮添加叶酸后空肠淀粉酶活性显著提高(P 0.05),而母羊日粮添加叶酸能显著提高十二指肠、空肠和回肠胰蛋白酶、糜蛋白酶和脂肪酶活性(P 0.05)。母羊日粮添加叶酸显著提高了羔羊血清葡萄糖、高密度脂蛋白、极低密度脂蛋白和胰岛素样生长因子-1浓度(P 0.05),但羔羊日粮添加叶酸血清胆固醇含量显著降低(P 0.05)。结论 :在本试验条件下,包被叶酸的适宜添加量为母羊15mg/kg,羔羊5mg/kg。     

绵羊日粮中添加亚硒酸钠对胎盘中SelP和ApoER-2蛋白表达的影响

试验通过在妊娠母羊日粮中添加不同水平的亚硒酸钠,研究硒对绵羊胎盘SelP和ApoER-2的蛋白表达的影响,为进一步揭示硒的胎盘转运及硒对胎儿发育的调控机制提供实验依据。选取体重、体型、年龄、胎次相近的湖羊妊娠母羊80只,随机分为两组,分别饲喂基础日粮和添加0.5 mg/(kg DM·d)亚硒酸钠的日粮。预试期7 d,正试期150 d。结果表明:SelP和ApoER-2主要在妊娠母羊胎盘滋养层细胞中表达。日粮中亚硒酸钠的添加,极显著提高了妊娠母羊胎盘滋养层细胞中SelP的表达量(P<0.01),却极显著降低了ApoER-2蛋白的表达量(P<0.01)。     

不同TMR对贵州黑山羊生长母羊育肥效果及血清指标的影响

试验旨在探讨不同全混合日粮(TMR)对贵州黑山羊生长母羊强度育肥效果及相关血清指标的影响.选取3～4月龄、平均体重为(24.70±0.70)kg的贵州黑山羊生长母羊21只,随机分为3组,每组7个重复,每个重复1只羊.3组分别饲喂颗粒TMR、TMR和发酵全混合日粮(FTMR).预试期为10 d,正试期75 d.结果表明:...     

妊娠母羊日粮中硒的含量和其采食量对其所产羔羊的生长的影响

当母羊限饲或者饲喂过量都可使新出生的羔羊体重过轻。本文选取82头母羊来验证在其配种期追加硒对羔羊的生长率、日粮消化率和N的保留的影响。将82头羔羊随机分成6个处理组,按照2×3因素来设计本试验。其中日粮中的硒含量分别为适量(每千克母羊的体重饲喂9.5μg的硒,ASe)和高含量(每千克母羊的体重饲喂81.8μg富硒酵母HSe);而母羊采食日粮的方式分为3种,分别是限饲法(仅进食自由采食量的60%;RES)、自由采食法(自由采食;CON)、强制补饲法(进食自由采食量的140%;HI)。当母羊刚妊娠时即开始追加硒,而限饲或强制补饲则从母羊妊娠的第50d开始。母羊分娩后,立即将其从产房转移出来,给母羊所产羔羊提供人工初乳和母乳替代品直至断奶。断奶后,所有的羔羊的日粮和管理均一致,180d后将其屠宰。结果显示,母羊妊娠期间的营养水平和摄食量以及出生后羔羊的性别均对其生长发育有一定的影响。     

母羊怀孕后的饲养管理

母羊怀孕1个月左右,受精卵在定植未形成胎盘之前,很容易受外界饲喂条件的影响,喂给母羊变质、发霉或有毒的饲料,容易引起胚胎早期死亡。母羊的日粮     

妊娠后期母羊饲粮营养水平对产后羔羊生长性能、器官发育和血清抗氧旨标的影响

本试验在干物质采食量一致条件下,改变精料补充料与饲草比例调控妊娠后期母羊饲粮营养水平,旨在研究其对产后羔羊生长性能、器官发育和血清抗氧化指标的影响.选用健康、年龄[(11.0±1.0)月龄]和体重[(44.43±2.20) kg]相近、妊娠90 d的怀双羔初产湖羊母羊66只,分为3组,每组22只.以干物质为基础按照精料补充料与饲草比例分别为5∶5(5∶5组)、4∶6(4∶6组)和3∶7(3∶7组)饲喂至产羔,产羔后各组母羊饲喂相同的全混合日粮,自由采食.出生10、60 d屠宰羔羊测定各组织器官重量,出生20、60 d采集羔羊血清测定血清抗氧化指标.结果表明:1)妊娠后期母羊饲粮营养水平对羔羊初生重、哺乳期(出生0～60 d)羔羊体重均无显著影响(P>0.05),但随营养水平降低,羔羊初生重有降低趋势(0.05≤P<0.10),出生40和50 d体重有增加趋势(0.05≤P<0.10).2)出生0d,随着妊娠后期母羊饲粮营养水平的降低,羔羊的胸深极显著提高(P<0.01),体斜长显著降低(P<0.05);出生60 d,随着妊娠后期母羊饲粮营养水平的降低,羔羊的胸深、曲冠臀长显著或极显著提高(P<0.05或P<0.01).3)出生10 d,羔羊的肝脏、肺脏的重量随妊娠后期母羊饲粮营养水平的降低而显著降低(P<0.05);出生60 d,各组羔羊的组织器官重量差异不显著(P>0.05).4)出生20和60 d,随着妊娠后期母羊饲粮营养水平的降低,羔羊血清中总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、谷胱甘肽过氧化酶(GSH-Px)含量显著或极显著提高(P<0.05或P<0.01),丙二醛(MDA)含量极显著降低(P<0.01).妊娠后期通过精料补充料与饲草比例调控母羊饲粮营养水平时发现,低营养水平(低精料补充料比例)能够降低羔羊初生重,但经补偿生长作用,羔羊血清抗氧化能力得到提高,生长性能也得到恢复.     

不同锌源对母羊和羔羊体液免疫及羔羊肠道黏膜组织形态和免疫的影响

本试验旨在研究妊娠母羊饲粮中添加不同锌源对母羊和羔羊体液免疫及羔羊肠道组织形态、黏膜免疫功能的影响.选取体重(38.1±9.7)kg、胎次(第2～3胎)相近的怀双羔湘东黑山羊21只,随机分为3组,每组7个重复,每个重复1只羊.各组分别在基础饲粮中添加60 mg/kg的硫酸锌、蛋氨酸螯合锌和甘氨酸螯合锌.基础饲粮中锌含量...     

妊娠早期饲粮添加不同水平N-氨甲酰谷氨酸改善母羊产羔性能的研究

旨在研究妊娠早期饲喂不同水平N-氨甲酰谷氨酸(N-carbamylglutamate,NCG)对母羊产羔性能及相关血液指标的影响.选用2～3胎次湖羊160只,随机分为4组,每组40只母羊,自配种当天(记为妊娠第0天)开始,分别饲喂基础饲粮(对照组)、基础饲粮+0.05％NCG、基础饲粮+0.08％NCG、基础饲粮+0....     

叶酸对圈养隆林黑山羊生长性能的影响研究

叶酸是水溶性B族维生素,一般认为山羊自身可合成,本文研究在圈养条件下饲料中添加叶酸对隆林黑山羊生长性能的影响效果。选择4月龄体况相近的平均体重为14kg左右健康生长期肉用隆林黑山羊母羊28只,采用单因素随机分组设计,随机分成4组,每组7只,分别在基础日粮中添加0mg/kg、1.5mg/kg、15mg/kg、45mg/kg(DM)的叶酸,进行饲养试验。结果表明,叶酸对山羊的生长速度和饲料转化率有较好的促进效果,在山羊日粮中添加45mg/kg(DM)的叶酸,其日增重比对照组提高19.2%,饲料转化率比对照组提高15.34%,在叶酸饲养试验中效果最佳。表明在日粮中添加叶酸对山羊有促生长作用。     

纳米硒对岢岚绒山羊及胎儿的生物学效应

为研究纳米硒对岢岚绒山羊妊娠母羊及胎儿机体免疫力、抗氧化性和生长发育的影响,选择体重相近的岢岚妊娠绒山羊80只,随机分为2组,分别喂以基础日粮(C组)和添加0.5mg/kgDM纳米硒的饲粮(Se组),实验期110d。结果表明:妊娠期绒山羊日粮中添加硒后,血液中淋巴细胞、单核细胞、嗜中性粒细胞的百分比显著提高(p<0.05),异型淋巴细胞百分比显著降低(p<0.05),血清中血清球蛋白(GLO)、免疫球蛋白IgG和IgM显著提高(p<0.05);日粮中纳米硒的添加极显著(p<0.01)提高了母羊及胎儿血清中GSH-Px、SOD的活性,极显著(p<0.01)提高了母羊及胎儿肝、胎盘组织中GSH-Px、SOD的活性,极显著(p<0.01)降低了母羊及胎儿血清与胎盘组织中MDA的浓度;在日粮中添加纳米硒后,显著增加了胎盘、胎儿及胎儿肝、肾组织的重量(p<0.05)。结论:日粮中添加0.5mg/kgDM纳米硒,增强了妊娠母羊及胎儿机体免疫力和抗氧化能力,进一步促进了胎儿的生长发育。     

The physical state and metabolic status of lambs of different birth rank soon after birth

This study investigated the physical state and metabolic status of lambs of different birth ranks soon after birth. The aim was to identify the factors that result in poorer survival rates in triplet than single or twin lambs. Six hundred and twenty one Romney ewes were mated over a 4-day period and 46 of them were observed continually from day 143 of pregnancy until they finished lambing. Blood samples, taken from all lambs within 5 min of birth, were placed on ice, centrifuged and the plasma harvested and subsequently analysed for glucose, fructose, lactate, thyroxine (T4) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The rectal temperature of each lamb was recorded at birth and at 1, 2, 3 and 6 h of life. Lambs were weighed and measured at 3 h of age.At birth, triplet lambs were significantly lighter (P < 0.05) and had lower (P < 0.05) plasma fructose and thyroxine than twin and single lambs, higher (P < 0.05) lactate concentrations and a lower rectal temperature (P < 0.05) than twin lambs. These observations suggest that they are subject to placental insufficiency. The packed cell volume was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in twin than triplet lambs. The order at birth of twin or triplet lambs had no effect on birthweight or plasma metabolite concentrations. The smallest triplet was significantly lighter (P < 0.05) and had higher plasma lactate (P < 0.05) concentration than the largest triplet.These physiological limitations found in smaller triplet lambs at birth leave them prone to perinatal mortality. Management techniques, to increase triplet lamb birthweight and thereby improve their survival outcome need further investigation.     

The body composition and metabolic status of twin- and triplet-bearing ewes and their fetuses in late pregnancy

This study investigated the body composition and metabolic status of twin- and triplet-bearing ewes and their fetuses in late pregnancy. The aim was to identify factors that could explain the lower survival rates of triplet lambs compared with twin lambs. Ten twin- and 10 triplet-bearing ewes and their fetuses were euthanased on either day 139 or 140 of pregnancy and fetal and placental measurements recorded. The weights of the gravid uterus (P < 0.01) and mammary gland (P < 0.05) were significantly heavier (although not proportionally), in triplet-bearing than twin-bearing ewes (21.10 vs. 16.85 and 1.08 vs. 0.80 kg respectively). There were no other differences in the weight of ewe organs or in metabolite concentrations. The number of cotyledons per triplet fetus was significantly (P < 0.001) less compared to twins although this was countered by a tendency for greater (P = 0.05) individual cotyledon weight, resulting in no differences in either total fetal membrane plus cotyledon or total cotyledon weights.

The absolute weight of many organs were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier in twin fetuses than in triplet fetuses. However, after correction for fetal body weight the only differences observed were significantly (P < 0.05) lighter, by approximately 10%, semitendinosus muscle, liver and heart weights in triplet compared to twin fetuses (6.2 vs. 5.6, 88.9 vs. 80.4, 33 vs. 30 g respectively). The fetal fructose concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in triplet than in twin fetuses.

The mean weight of the lightest triplet fetus within each triplet set was 31% lighter than that of the heaviest triplet (P < 0.05), resulting in significantly (P < 0.05) lighter absolute weights of most fetal measurements taken. However, after correction for fetal body weight these differences disappeared. Within twin sets, the mean weight of the lightest fetus was only 16% lighter (P < 0.05) than its heavier counterpart but there were no significant differences in absolute organ weights. When corrected for fetal body weight, the lightest twin fetus had significantly (P = 0.05) greater kidney weights and tended to have heavier heart (P = 0.07) and lungs (P = 0.07). It is unknown why the relative organ weight relationships between the heaviest and lightest differ between twin and triplet fetuses.

In conclusion this study has identified three factors which may contribute to the lower survival rates observed in triplet-compared to twin-born lambs; low fructose concentrations, lighter fetal weights, especially in one fetus within each triplet set, and maternal mammary gland increases that are not proportional to the increase in numbers of fetuses. While these findings are not novel, there were no other factors identified that could account the lower survival rates reported in triplet-born lambs compared to twins. The other only other significant differences identified were the proportionally lighter livers and hearts in triplets although the possible effects of these on survival is unknown.     

Maintenance of body temperature in the neonatal lamb: effects of breed, birth weight, and litter size

To survive, the newborn lamb must be able to maintain body temperature and to stand and move to the udder to suck colostrum to fuel heat production. The objective of this study was to investigate whether neonatal lambs showing slow behavioral progress to standing and sucking also have an impaired ability to maintain body temperature. The time taken to stand and suck after birth, rectal temperatures, and blood samples were collected from 115 newborn single, twin, and triplet lambs of 2 breeds, Scottish Blackface and Suffolk, which are known to show variations in their neonatal behavioral progress. Blood samples were assayed for thyroid hormones, known to be involved in heat production, and cortisol, which plays a role in tissue maturation before birth. In addition, colostrum samples were collected from the 56 ewes that gave birth to the lambs, and assayed for protein, fat, and vitamin contents. Heavy lambs (more than 1 SD above the breed mean), Blackface lambs, and singleton or twin lambs were quicker to stand and suck from their mothers than lightweight (more than 1 SD below the breed mean), Suffolk, or triplet lambs. Low birth weight lambs also had lower rectal temperatures than heavier lambs (P < 0.01), as did Suffolk compared with Blackface lambs (P < 0.001). Lambs that were slow to suck after birth had lower rectal temperatures than quick lambs, and this difference persisted for at least 3 d after birth. Within breed, heavy lambs had greater plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine immediately after birth than light lambs. Blackface lambs had greater plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine than Suffolk lambs but tended to have less cortisol. Colostrum produced by Blackface ewes had a greater fat content than that of Suffolk ewes (P < 0.001). Thus, lambs that are behaviorally slow at birth are also less able to maintain their body temperature after birth. Although part of their lower body temperature might be attributable to behavioral influences on thermoregulation, the data also suggest that physiological differences exist between these animals. These differences may be related to different degrees of maturity at birth.     

Does sward height grazed by ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy affect indices of colostrum intake by twin and triplet lambs?

AIMS: To determine if sward height grazed by ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy affects subsequent indices of colostrum intake by twin and triplet lambs, and the extent of the variation in colostrum intake between twin and triplet litter-mates.

METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 75 twin and 46 triplet litters, respectively, 24–36 h after birth. Samples were not collected from lambs that died before this age. Lambs were born to ewes which had grazed one of four sward heights (2, 4, 6 and 8 cm) during mid- to late-pregnancy. Serum samples were analysed for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and glucose concentrations. The number of lambs present at weaning was used to determine lamb survival rate.

RESULTS: GGT activities of lambs born to ewes that grazed swards 2 cm high were lower than those born to ewes that grazed swards 4 and 6 cm high (p=0.053 and p=0.037, respectively). Glucose concentrations were higher in twin than triplet lambs (p=0.003) and in lambs born to ewes grazed on swards 6 cm high than those born to ewes grazed on swards 2 cm high (p=0.033). These differences were not evident after correction for differences in birthweight. There was significant (p<0.001) variation within litter-mates for GGT activities and glucose concentrations in both twins and triplets. The blood constituent status of lambs that died before the 24–36 h collection period is not known. However, lambs which died after this period had significantly lower GGT activities (p=0.009) and glucose (p=0.010) concentrations at the time of sampling than those which survived.

CONCLUSIONS: Farmers should ensure twin- and tripletbearing ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy are grazing at least 4 cm of herbage to ensure colostrum intake of lambs in the postpartum period is not adversely affected.     

Does sward height grazed by ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy affect indices of colostrum intake by twin and triplet lambs?

AIMS: To determine if sward height grazed by ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy affects subsequent indices of colostrum intake by twin and triplet lambs, and the extent of the variation in colostrums intake between twin and triplet litter-mates. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 75 twin and 46 triplet litters, respectively, 24-36 h after birth. Samples were not collected from lambs that died before this age. Lambs were born to ewes which had grazed one of four sward heights (2, 4, 6 and 8 cm) during mid- to late-pregnancy. Serum samples were analysed for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and glucose concentrations. The number of lambs present at weaning was used to determine lamb survival rate. RESULTS: GGT activities of lambs born to ewes that grazed swards 2 cm high were lower than those born to ewes that grazed swards 4 and 6 cm high (p=0.053 and p=0.037, respectively). Glucose concentrations were higher in twin than triplet lambs (p=0.003) and in lambs born to ewes grazed on swards 6 cm high than those born to ewes grazed on swards 2 cm high (p=0.033). These differences were not evident after correction for differences in birthweight. There was significant (p<0.001) variation within litter-mates for GGT activities and glucose concentrations in both twins and triplets. The blood constituent status of lambs that died before the 24-36 h collection period is not known. However, lambs which died after this period had significantly lower GGT activities (p=0.009) and glucose (p=0.010) concentrations at the time of sampling than those which survived. CONCLUSIONS: Farmers should ensure twin- and triplet-bearing ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy are grazing at least 4 cm of herbage to ensure colostrum intake of lambs in the postpartum period is not adversely affected.     

Effect of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating, and shearing mid-pregnancy, on birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to weaning

AIMS: To determine the effects of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating, and shearing mid-pregnancy, on birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs from birth to the time of weaning, and; to determine whether any effect of condition score is independent of liveweight. METHODS: Romney ewes (n=435) which conceived within a 17-day mating period and successfully gave birth to and reared twin lambs to weaning were used. Ewes were managed during pregnancy so that their total liveweight increased at a level equivalent to the expected growth of the conceptuses. Approximately half of the ewes were shorn 70 days after the mid-point of mating, and the remainder were left unshorn, at which time they had 6-months' wool growth. All lambs were weighed within 12 h of birth and again at weaning. RESULTS: There was a significant linear relationship (R2=0.99) between mean group liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating (difference of 7.3 kg per 1.0 unit condition score). Liveweight of ewes at mating had small but significant (p<0.05) positive effects on both birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to weaning. Ewes that had condition scores of 3.5-4.0 (scale 0-5) at mating gave birth to significantly (p<0.05) lighter lambs than ewes that had condition scores <3.5. The condition score of ewes at mating was positively associated with growth rates of lambs, although this effect was largely explained by variation in the liveweight of ewes at mating. Twin lambs born to ewes shorn mid-pregnancy were significantly (p<0.05) heavier at birth (by 0.4 kg) and at weaning (p<0.05) than those born to unshorn ewes. The heavier weaning weights of lambs born to ewes shorn mid-pregnancy were due to a heavier birthweights rather than increased growth rate. CONCLUSIONS: Liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating had small positive effects on growth rates to weaning of twin lambs. Shearing mid-pregnancy increased birthweights and weaning weights of twin lambs. To achieve high weaning weights of twin lambs, farmers should ensure ewes attain high liveweights and condition scores at mating and shear mid-pregnancy. It is speculated that the effects of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating on weaning weights of twin lambs would be greater than those observed in the present study under conditions in which nutrition of the dam is below optimum.     

Effect of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating,and shearing mid-pregnancy,on birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to weaning

AIMS: To determine the effects of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating, and shearing mid-pregnancy, on birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs from birth to the time of weaning, and; to determine whether any effect of condition score is independent of liveweight.

METHODS: Romney ewes (n=435) which conceived within a 17-day mating period and successfully gave birth to and reared twin lambs to weaning were used. Ewes were managed during pregnancy so that their total liveweight increased at a level equivalent to the expected growth of the conceptuses. Approximately half of the ewes were shorn 70 days after the mid-point of mating, and the remainder were left unshorn, at which time they had 6-months' wool growth. All lambs were weighed within 12 h of birth and again at weaning.

RESULTS: There was a significant linear relationship (R²=0.99) between mean group liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating (difference of 7.3 kg per 1.0 unit condition score). Liveweight of ewes at mating had small but significant (p<0.05) positive effects on both birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to weaning. Ewes that had condition scores of 3.5–4.0 (scale 0–5) at mating gave birth to significantly (p<0.05) lighter lambs than ewes that had condition scores <3.5. The condition score of ewes at mating was positively associated with growth rates of lambs, although this effect was largely explained by variation in the liveweight of ewes at mating.

Twin lambs born to ewes shorn mid-pregnancy were significantly (p<0.05) heavier at birth (by 0.4 kg) and at weaning (p<0.05) than those born to unshorn ewes. The heavier weaning weights of lambs born to ewes shorn mid-pregnancy were due to a heavier birthweights rather than increased growth rate.

CONCLUSIONS: Liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating had small positive effects on growth rates to weaning of twin lambs. Shearing mid-pregnancy increased birthweights and weaning weights of twin lambs. To achieve high weaning weights of twin lambs, farmers should ensure ewes attain high liveweights and condition scores at mating and shear mid-pregnancy. It is speculated that the effects of liveweight and condition score of ewes at mating on weaning weights of twin lambs would be greater than those observed in the present study under conditions in which nutrition of the dam is below optimum.     

THE INCIDENCE OF DYSTOCIA IN DORSET HORN EWES

The incidence of dystocia was recorded in flocks of Dorset Horn ewes lambing in winter, spring or summer and grazed at 8, 12 or 16 ewes per hectare over a ten-year period. The mean incidence of dystocia was 34% of ewes lambing. Significantly more ewes experience a difficult birth at winter (35%) and spring (39%) than summer (26%) lambings. Neither stocking rates nor pre-lambing ewe bodyweight were related to the incidence of dystocia. The incidence of dystocia was significantly greater in 2-year-old ewes than in any other age group. Foetal size was of major importance in the occurrence of dystocia. Approximately 60% of single and twin born lambs that had birth weights greater than 4.5 kg had a difficult birth whereas in lambs weighing less than 3.2 kg only about 10% were affected. Thirty-six per cent of all perinatal mortality was attributable to dystocia. Approximately 27% of single and 73% of twin presentations in assisted births were abnormal, 31% of all lambs assisted had 1 or both legs retained, 4% had posterior (including breech) presentations and the remaining 8% were of varied forms of malpresentation. Significantly more single male than female lambs experienced a difficult birth and the mean birth weights of single, twin and triplet born lambs that had a difficult birth were greater than the birth weights of singles, twins and triplets born normally.     

Evaluation of Vitamin E and Selenium Supplementation in Late Gestation on Lamb Survival and Pre-Weaning Growth

This study was conducted to evaluate vitamin E injection and Se in a mineral supplement in late gestation on lamb survival and pre-weaning growth performance. Ewes were grouped in pens based on their fetal count and BW. The feed provided to ewes in late gestation included alfalfa hay, corn, and protein supplement according to NRC (1985) recommendations. Ewes in late gestation were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments within fetal count (single, twin, and triplet + quad). Treatments were no vitamin E or 900 IU of vitamin E injected i.m. per week and 10 or 90 ppm of Se in a mineral supplement fed ad libitum. Within each pen of ewes (8 to 10 head), approximately one-half of the ewes received injectable E beginning 4 wk before the first expected lambing; the other one-half received no vitamin E. Vitamin E treatments ended at lambing time; however, ewes remained on their respective mineral sources during lactation. Lambs were provided access to creep (16% CP, 83% TDN, and fortified with 35,000 IU of vitamin E, 0.27 g of Se, and 50 g of chlortetracycline/909 kg of creep feed) initiated at an average 10 d of age to weaning. Weekly injection of 900 IU of vitamin E did not affect birth BW (BBW) of lambs. However, 90 ppm of Se fed ad libitum improved BBW of lambs (5.06 vs 4.88 kg, P<0.10) with all of the improvement occurring in lambs born to 6- to 7-yr-old ewes (P<0.01). Vitamin E increased (P<0.05) the pre-weaning performance of lambs from 1- to 2- and 6- to 7-yr-old ewes but did not improve the performance in lambs from 3- to 5-yr-old ewes. Multiple-birth lambs from ewes treated with vitamin E had increased survival in 1 of 2 experimental yr (P<0.05). Survival of single-birth lambs was not effected by vitamin E or Se treatment. These results demonstrate that supplementation of 90 ppm of Se fed ad libitum to ewes during late gestation and throughout lactation improved BBW of lambs from 6- to 7-yr-old ewes, and weekly injection of 900 IU of vitamin E to ewes during late gestation increased the pre-weaning growth of lambs from 1- to 2- and 6- to 7-yr-old ewes and may increase the survival of multiple-birth lambs.     

Behaviour at parturition and lamb survival of Booroola Merino sheep

Observations of behaviour at parturition of prolific Booroola Merinos were recorded for 48 single-, 77 twin-, 56 triplet- and 14 quadruplet-bearing ewes. Average lamb birthweight decreased as litter size increased. Single lambs were on average 2 kg heavier than quadruplet lambs. Within twin and triplet litters the period of abdominal straining during labour was significantly shorter for later-born lambs than for the first-born lamb. Single-born lambs were presented longer at the ewe's vulva than lambs from other litters. The first-born of twins was presented longer at the ewe's vulva than the second-born lamb. Ewes 2 years of age were slower to stand after birth and to begin to groom lambs than adult ewes. The ewe was not selective in grooming members of a litter. The first-born lamb of single and twin litter sizes was quicker to stand and suck than the first-born lamb of triplet and quadruplet litters. The second-born lamb of twins was quicker to suck than the second-born of other litter sizes. Birth order did not affect the time taken to suck. Regardless of litter size, heavier lambs were quicker to stand and suck resulting in a greater chance of survival, and an increase of 1 kg in birthweight resulted in a 28% increase in survival. Survival of lambs was significantly affected by their behaviour after adjustment for birthweight. With an increase of 1 min in the intervals from delivery to when the lamb first attempts to stand, stands or attempts to find the udder its chances of survival decreased by about 1%. It was concluded that birthweight was the major component affecting lamb survival in prolific Booroola Merino sheep.