Production performance of ewes grazing on community rangeland supplemented with concentrate during late gestation and early lactation
2011
Chaturvedi, O.H. | Sankhyan, S.K. | Mann, J.S. | Karim, S.A.
Malpura and Kheri ewes (20), 34 year-old, in their late gestation and weighing 40.99±2.34 kg as an average were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups of 10 each (G1 and G2). Ewes in both the groups were grazed on natural rangeland from 07.00 to 18.00 h. The ewes in G2 were maintained on sole grazing while those in G1, in addition to grazing received pelleted concentrate mixture at the rate of 400 g/ ewe/day during entire late gestation to early lactation. The body weight of ewes at parturition was higher in G1 than that in G2. The birth weight of lambs in G1 (4.02 kg) was higher than that in G2 (3.16 kg). The body weights of lambs at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of age were also higher in G1 than that in G2. The body weight gain and average daily gain (g) of lambs at 60 days of age was also higher in G1 than that in G2. Milk yield of ewes increased up to 250 g per day due to concentrate supplementation in comparison to that of without concentrate supplementation. The lambs of supplemented ewes were sold at higher rates (Rs 850/lamb) than those of non supplemented ewes (Rs 700/lamb). The ewes grazing on community rangelands are not able to meet their nutrient requirements during late gestation and early lactation. However, concentrate supplementation @ 400 g/ ewe/day during these critical stages enhanced their production performance, general condition as well as birth weight and growth rate of lambs.
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