| Ewes in higher condition at
joining conceive more lambs
(through more twins and less
dries) and condition at day of
joining is the major predictor
of lambing performance and is
more important than changes in
condition prior to the joining
period or during the joining
period. Reproductive Rate
(lambs scanned per 100 ewes)
increases linearly with
condition score between 1.5
and 4.5. and increases by an
average of 20 lambs for each
additional Condition Score
at joining. However, the
response in Reproductive
Rate to Condition Score is
highly variable with some
flocks showing no response
(i.e. 0 extra lambs per CS)
and others achieving up to
40 additional lambs per CS).
The response depends on
genotype (more twinners) and
the time of lambing (autumn
joining has higher natural
reproductive rates).
To determine the reproductive
response of your flock
please print out the
Reproductive
Rate
Worksheet or
for an electronic
version using Fat
Score as a basis
|
