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。     

日粮添加油脂和出生类型对羔羊肌肉胶原蛋白特性及相关基因表达的影响

旨在研究日粮添加油脂和不同出生类型对羔羊肌肉胶原蛋白特性及相关基因表达的影响。本试验选取64只2月龄断奶双羔(twin born,TW;32只)和三羔(triplet born,TR;32只)湖羊公羔,分别饲喂基础日粮(control, CON)和添加2%大豆油(soybean oil,SBO)的日粮,采用2×2析因试验设计,分为4个处理(TW-CON,TW-SBO,TR-CON,TR-SBO),每个处理16个重复,每个重复1只羊。90 d后屠宰采集羔羊背最长肌,测定其胶原蛋白含量、相关酶活以及肌肉发育相关基因表达水平等。结果表明:1) TW组的Ⅰ型胶原蛋白含量显著高于TR组(P<0.05)。日粮添加油脂有提高可溶性胶原蛋白含量的趋势(0.050.05)。2)基质金属蛋白酶13(MMP-13)含量因日粮中油脂添加而显著下降(P<0.05),而吡啶诺林(PYD)和基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂(TIMP-1)则受日粮油脂添加和出生类型交互作用的显著影响(P<0.05)。3)MYOD1在双羔中表达水平显著高于三羔(P<0.05)。日粮油脂添加显著降低了FN1的相对表达水平(P<0.05),而FGF2和COL3A1的相对表达水平则表现出受日粮油脂添加和出生类型交互作用影响的趋势(0.050.05)。结果提示,双羔肌肉中胶原蛋白含量高于三羔,油脂有促进胶原蛋白含量增加的趋势,且日粮油脂和出生类型共同作用胶原蛋白代谢相关酶含量及基因的表达,进而影响肌肉中胶原蛋白的含量。     

山羊妊娠早期胎儿胎盘血管形成及相关基因的表达

旨在探究大足黑山羊妊娠早期胎儿胎盘血管发育、分布和血管生成相关因子表达状况,并对血管生成相关因子表达之间和血管发育进行相关性分析。本研究随机选取15只8月龄、体格相近、身体健康的国家级畜禽遗传资源—大足黑山羊青年母羊,经同一种公羊自然交配后(以末次配种当天记为0 d),经剖腹产手术采集妊娠第20、25和30天的胎儿和胎儿胎盘以及经屠宰采集妊娠第45和60天的胎儿和胎儿胎盘作为研究对象,通过免疫组化法评估胎盘血管发育和分布情况,采用qRT-PCR技术检测主要血管生成相关基因的mRNA表达水平,分析血管生成相关基因之间以及与胎盘血管发育分布的相关性。结果显示,胎儿体重和体长随着妊娠的进行逐渐增加,且血管内皮细胞阳性率处于较高水平(>26%)。山羊胎儿胎盘毛细血管总面积/组织区域面积(CAD)逐渐升高;毛细血管总数/单位组织区域面积(CND)在妊娠25~30 d增加,30~60 d降低,毛细血管总面积/毛细血管根数(APC)呈相反趋势;毛细血管总周长/单位组织区域面积(CSD)无显著变化。妊娠早期胎儿胎盘VEGFA的表达量随着妊娠的进行逐渐升高,且与血管分布存在一定的相关性,其受体FLT1和KDR表达量呈先增高后降低的趋势,分别在30和45 d达到峰值。血管生成相关基因ANGPT1/2及其受体TEK和FGF2及其受体FGFR2的表达均在妊娠30 d时较高。综上表明,在妊娠30 d前,胎儿胎盘主要通过毛细血管形成分支促进血管面积的增加;而在30~60 d,主要通过单位血管的增粗促进血管面积的增加,并且血管生成相关基因的表达在妊娠30 d时较高,这可能和子叶开始形成有关。山羊妊娠早期胎儿胎盘中VEGFA可能通过其受体结合与其他血管生成因子共同作用调控胎儿胎盘血管形成。     

山羊妊娠早期胎儿胎盘血管形成及相关基因的表达

旨在探究大足黑山羊妊娠早期胎儿胎盘血管发育、分布和血管生成相关因子表达状况,并对血管生成相关因子表达之间和血管发育进行相关性分析。本研究随机选取15只8月龄、体格相近、身体健康的国家级畜禽遗传资源—大足黑山羊青年母羊,经同一种公羊自然交配后(以末次配种当天记为0 d),经剖腹产手术采集妊娠第20、25和30天的胎儿和胎儿胎盘以及经屠宰采集妊娠第45和60天的胎儿和胎儿胎盘作为研究对象,通过免疫组化法评估胎盘血管发育和分布情况,采用qRT-PCR技术检测主要血管生成相关基因的mRNA表达水平,分析血管生成相关基因之间以及与胎盘血管发育分布的相关性。结果显示,胎儿体重和体长随着妊娠的进行逐渐增加,且血管内皮细胞阳性率处于较高水平(26%)。山羊胎儿胎盘毛细血管总面积/组织区域面积(CAD)逐渐升高;毛细血管总数/单位组织区域面积(CND)在妊娠25～30 d增加,30～60 d降低,毛细血管总面积/毛细血管根数(APC)呈相反趋势;毛细血管总周长/单位组织区域面积(CSD)无显著变化。妊娠早期胎儿胎盘VEGFA的表达量随着妊娠的进行逐渐升高,且与血管分布存在一定的相关性,其受体FLT1和KDR表达量呈先增高后降低的趋势,分别在30和45 d达到峰值。血管生成相关基因ANGPT1/2及其受体TEK和FGF2及其受体FGFR2的表达均在妊娠30 d时较高。综上表明,在妊娠30 d前,胎儿胎盘主要通过毛细血管形成分支促进血管面积的增加;而在30～60 d,主要通过单位血管的增粗促进血管面积的增加,并且血管生成相关基因的表达在妊娠30 d时较高,这可能和子叶开始形成有关。山羊妊娠早期胎儿胎盘中VEGFA可能通过其受体结合与其他血管生成因子共同作用调控胎儿胎盘血管形成。     

HMBi对绒山羊绒毛品质及氨基酸转运载体基因表达的影响

试验旨在研究蛋氨酸羟基类似物异丙酯(HMBi)对哺乳期母羊和羔羊绒毛品质以及哺乳羔羊体内含硫氨基酸转运载体相关基因表达量的影响。选取27对年龄、体重、分娩日期相近且均产单羔的哺乳初期陕北白绒山羊母羊及其初生羔羊,随机分为3组(每组3个重复,每个重复3对母子),对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组在基础日粮中分别添加2%和4%的HMBi。预试期10 d,正试期60 d。结果表明:(1)试验母羊绒毛和粗毛长度随HMBi添加水平提高有增加趋势,其中4%组母羊绒毛长度显著大于对照组(P0.05);各组试验羔羊绒毛、粗毛长度及绒毛细度均无显著性差异(P0.05);(2)母羊饲喂不同水平HMBi对其哺乳羔羊皮肤内SLC3A2基因的表达量和空肠内SLC1A5基因的表达量有显著影响(P0.05),SLC38A2和SLC6A19基因的表达量在各处理组之间无显著差异(P0.05);(3)在不同组织中,4种基因的肝脏表达量最高,皮肤表达量最低;在小肠不同区段,SLC3A2基因表达量由高到低依次为十二指肠、空肠、回肠,SLC38A2、SLC1A5和SLC6A19基因表达量由高到低依次为空肠、十二指肠、回肠。综上,哺乳期绒山羊饲粮中添加HMBi可提高母羊绒毛生长速度,但对其哺乳羔羊绒毛品质无明显影响;根据4种氨基酸转运载体相关基因表达量的表达规律,可以推测出:肝脏是氨基酸代谢较为活跃的场所;小肠中的十二指肠和空肠可能是肠道游离氨基酸被吸收的主要部位,而在回肠的吸收量较少。     

提高羔羊成活率的技术要点

<正>要提高羔羊成活率,必须采取一系列的技术措施。1初生羔羊的护理1.1清除黏液羔羊出生后,先要擦净鼻孔和口腔内羊水及黏液,防止发生窒息和异物性肺炎。1.2处理脐带新羔产出后,将脐带血捋向羔羊体内数次,在脐孔下3cm处用消毒剪刀剪断脐带,挤出脐带中的黏液,在断端用5%碘酊涂擦或侵泡消毒,无需结扎。1.3添羔保温断脐后,将新生羔羊放于母羊头部,或     

孕前补饲对山羊繁殖性能的影响

选择健康、空怀、经产、膘情中等以上的母羊分为两组(试验组70只,对照组52只),比较孕前补饲对山羊受胎率、产羔率、初生重、羔羊成活率等繁殖性状的具体影响程度.结果发现试验组与对照组母羊产单羔和双羔的百分率差异不显著,产多羔的母羊比对照组高4.3%;母羊受胎率差异不显著;羔羊死亡率比对照组下降16.9%;产单羔的初生重差异不显著,双羔的初生重比对照组高0.14 kg,差异极显著(P＜0.01).在配种前搞好放牧抓膘和补饲,实行满膘配种,是提高母羊繁殖性能的重要措施.     

不同生产期对澳美型鄂尔多斯细毛羊羔羊初生重的影响

为了探讨不同生产期对澳美后代(即用澳美公羊授精鄂尔多斯细毛羊母羊所产羔羊)初生重的影响,该试验选取400只基础母羊,随机分为4组(全部试验羊的日粮水平及饲养管理条件均相同),分别在不同月份授精,待妊娠母羊产羔后,记录其初生重。结果发现,2009年1、2、3、4月妊娠母羊所产单羔的平均初生重依次为(4.81±0.51)、(4.30±0.68)、(3.95±0.70)、(3.98±0.47)kg,双羔的平均初生重依次为(4.03±0.85)、(3.08±0.24)、(3.08±0.53)、(2.87±0.40)kg;2010年1、2、3、4月妊娠母羊所产的羔羊单羔平均初生重分别为(5.43±0.63)、(4.63±0.55)、(4.60±0.73)、(4.54±0.63)kg,双羔的平均初生重分别为(4.10±0.48)、(3.30±0.94)、(3.28±0.68)、(3.10±0.18)kg。由此可见,澳美后代羔羊的初生重与生产期有密切关系,1—4月出生的澳美后代羔羊的初生重呈下降趋势,其中,1月出生的羔羊其初生重均高于2、3、4月出生的羔羊,且每年1月与4月出生羔羊的初生重差异均显著(P<0.05)。     

日粮不同蛋白质水平对绵羊IGF-1和GH分泌及基因表达的影响

本研究旨在探讨不同蛋白质水平日粮对绵羊胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)和生长激素(GH)分泌及基因mRNA表达量的影响,为科学配置肉羊饲料及研究肉羊生长发育提供基础。选择6月龄体重相近的多胎萨福克公羔18只,随机分为3组,分别饲喂不同蛋白质水平的日粮(低蛋白日粮、中蛋白日粮和高蛋白日粮)。采用ELISA方法和SYBR Green Real-time PCR方法检测日粮不同蛋白质水平对不同生长发育阶段(30、60、90和120d)羔羊外周血中IGF-1、GH浓度和皮肤组织中基因表达的影响。结果显示,日粮蛋白质水平显著影响绵羊平均日增重、外周血中IGF-1和GH的浓度以及皮肤组织IGF-1基因的表达丰度,而未显著影响GH基因的表达丰度。结果提示,随着日粮蛋白质水平的升高,绵羊生长发育快,外周血中IGF-1浓度增加,GH浓度降低,IGF-1基因表达量增加。     

BMP6基因在单、双羔蒙古羊不同生理时期卵巢组织中的差异表达及分析

为了进一步探讨经SSH筛选的蒙古羊繁殖差异基因BMP6对蒙古羊双羔性状的影响及作用机制,利用实时荧光定量PCR技术(RT-qPCR)检测了单、双羔蒙古羊发情第0、5、10、15天时卵巢组织中BMP6基因的表达水平,比较了BMP6基因在蒙古羊单、双羔群体中的差异表达情况。结果表明,在一个发情周期中,单羔组和双羔组蒙古羊卵巢组织中BMP6基因的mRNA表达水平变化趋势相似:发情第0天表达量最低,发情第10天时表达量最高,且显著高于其他时期(P0.05);双羔组发情第0天和第10天的BMP6基因mRNA表达量分别显著(P0.05)和极显著(P0.01)高于相应时期的单羔组。综上提示,BMP6基因是影响蒙古羊双羔性状的候选基因。     

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.