Flushing Ewes Improves The Number of Offspring in a Commercial Range Management Operation
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 5, Issue 2 - December 2012
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
We examined the effect of flushing ewes (feeding extra protein and energy just prior to breeding to increase ovulation) on a rangeland operation near Lyman, WY. Rambouillet, Rambouillet x Finn, and commercial wool sheep were supplemented in two studies. In study one, ewes and rams were fed 1.11 lbs/day of supplement in an open-range setting for 35 days, beginning a week before breeding. Lambing rate was determined at docking. In study two, a pen study, ewes were fed grass hay and supplement at the same rate as range ewes. Lambing rate was determined at birth. Supplementation can increase lambing rate and profits.
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