A mail survey of factors affecting performance in 627 selected sheep flocks in south-eastern Norway |
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| Authors: | E Simensen P S Valle S Vatn |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences , Norwegian School of Veterinary Science , Oslo, Norway egil.simensen@fjellnett.no;3. Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences , Norwegian School of Veterinary Science , Oslo, Norway;4. Animalia Meat and Poultry Research Centre , Oslo, Norway |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Factors influencing rate of barren ewes, number of lambs born per pregnant ewe, and autumn live weight of the lambs were studied in 627 Norwegian sheep flocks based on herd level data from the Norwegian Sheep Recording System and a mailed questionnaire to the sheep farmers. The following factors were significantly associated (P<0.05) with rate of barren ewes: breed, herd average lambing date, type of production/age of farmer, routines for treatments for parasites, and housing type. Number of lambs born per pregnant ewe was significantly associated with rate of barren ewes, herd average lambing date, breed, percentage grass silage of total roughage, and no separation of gimmers during the housing period. Corrected autumn live weight of the lambs was significantly associated with breed, flock size, lambs born per pregnant ewe, no separation of gimmers during the housing period, and type of summer pasture. |
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| Keywords: | Sheep barren ewes reproductive performance breed management housing feeding pasture |
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