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Mother-offspring relationships in Awassi sheep:IV. The effect of weaning at birth, or after 15 weeks, on lactational performance in the dairy ewe.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

M. Morag ,
A. Raz  and
E. Eyal
M. Morag
Affiliation:
Negev Institute for Arid Zone Research, Beer-Sheva, Israel
A. Raz
Affiliation:
Veterinary Services, Beer-Sheva, Israel
E. Eyal
Affiliation:
Volcani Institute of Agricultural Research, Rehovot, Israel
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Summary

Sixty-six Awassi ewes were divided into two equal groups. The sheep were milked twice daily from lambing for 22 weeks. In one group (weaned) the lambs were separated from their dams within 6 h of parturition. In the second group (suckling) the lambs sucked the residual milk after milking for 15 weeks, after which they were weaned. Milking yields, fat tests, lactational persistency and udder health were not affected by the early weaning. The suckling ewes had greater amounts of residual milk and consumed more concentrates. Further data are presented that suggest that there may be a critical period of attachment of at least 10 days following lambing, during which weaning may effect subsequent milk production. The practical implications of these results are discussed in terms of flock management and the intensification of breeding programmes.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 75 , Issue 1 , August 1970 , pp. 183 - 187
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1970

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