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The performance and intake of weaned lambs grazing S24 perennial ryegrass, with and without supplementation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. E. Newton
Affiliation:
The Grassland Research Institute, Hurley, Maidenhead, Berks
N. E. Young
Affiliation:
The Grassland Research Institute, Hurley, Maidenhead, Berks
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Summary

Two forms of supplement, barley or dried grass pellets (G) were given to weaned lambs, set-stocked at pasture, at three stocking rates (43·5, 60 and 87 per hectare). The supplements were given either from weaning or from the time growth rate fell below a target value. The supplements significantly increased the proportion of lambs reaching the target weight (35 kg) and G was significantly better than barley, but slightly more G was given. The substitution value of supplement for herbage was 0·48 ± 0·12 and there was no difference in this value between barley and G. The proportion of lambs reaching the target slaughter weight was not influenced by whether the supplement was offered at weaning or delayed until lamb growth declined below a target level. Increase in stocking rate depressed the herbage intake and growth rate of the unsupplemented control lambs.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1974

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References

REFERENCES

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