First Weighing

The lambs were weighed for the first time today. Since arrival on April 26, the sixty lambs have gained an average of 8.5 ± 2.5 lbs. Gain ranged from 4.0 to 17.4 lbs. The median gain was 8.2 lbs.

Average daily gain (ADG) ranged from 0.286 to 1.2 lbs. per day and averaged 0.610 ± 0.177 lbs. per day. The median ADG was 0.586 lbs. per day. Upon arrival the lambs averaged, 57.3 ± 9.6 lbs. After two weeks, they average 65.8 ± 9.9 lbs.

The wether lambs (n=24) had the most variable, but highest rate of gain:  0.645 ± 0.207 lbs. per day.  The short-scrotum rams (n=17) gained 0.601 ± 0.149 lbs. per day, while the rams (n=19) gained 0.575 ± 0.161 lbs. per day.

The sixty lambs are currently consuming a diet of pasture, hay, and grain. The grain is a mixture of whole barley, soybean meal, and minerals. The lambs are currently consuming 0.75 lbs. per head twice per day. The hay is an alfalfa/grass mix. The pasture is a silvopasture of cool season perennials.

Sex	No.	Weight, lbs	Gain, lbs	ADG, lb/d
Ram	19	69.2 ± 12.3	8.0 ± 2.0	0.575 ± 0.161
Wether	25	64.0 ± 8.2	9.0 ± 2.9	0.645 ± 0.207
Short scrotum	17	64.6 ± 8.4	8.4 ± 2.1	0.601 ± 0.149

All lambs had FAMACHA© scores of 1-2. None required deworming or any health treatment.