Ending Weights Determined

We ran into some problems with the scales, so the data from the last several weighings has been discarded, for concerns of accuracy. Final weights were determined by weighing the lambs on certified scales at the local county fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are located on an adjacent property, so the lambs weren't transported far. After weighing, they were transported to the slaughterhouse for immediate slaughter.

Final weights were determined using certified scales.

For the 60 lambs, ending weights ranged from 84 to 141 lbs. and averaged 113.4 ± 13.4 lbs. The median ending weight was 116.5 lbs. Starting weights ranged from 36.0 to 80.3 lbs. and averaged 57.3 ± 9.6 lbs. The median starting weight was 56.3 lbs. The feeding period lasted for 110 days (April 26-August 13). Gain ranged from 35.0 to 76.2 lbs. and averaged 56.1 ± 8.7 lbs. The median gain was 55.7 lbs. 

Average daily gain (ADG) ranged from 0.318 to 0.693 lbs. per day and averaged 0.510 ± 0.079 lbs. per day. The short-scrotum rams (n=17) had the highest ADG:  0.548 ± 0.063 lbs. per day. The wethers (n=24) had the lowest ADG: 0.482 ± 0.078 lbs. per day. The ram lambs were intermediate in ADG: 0.512 ± 0.083 lbs. per day. The data will be analyzed to determine if the differences are statistically significant.

The ram lambs were the heaviest upon arrival on April 26. They averaged 61.2 ± 11.5 lbs. Their median weight was 64.4 lbs. The short-scrotum rams and wethers were similar in starting weights:  56.2 ± 7.7 and 55.0 ± 8.5 lbs., respectively. At the conclusion of the feeding period, the ram lambs and short-scrotum rams were similar in weight: 117.5 ± 16.4 and 116.5 ± 8.2 lbs., respectively. The wether lambs were the lightest at 108.0 ± 12.3. lbs.
 

Sex	No.	Start Wt., lbs.	End Wt., lbs.	ADG, lb/d
Ram	19	61.2  ± 11.5	117.5 ± 16.4	0.512 ± 0.083
Wether	24	55.0 ± 8.5	108.0 ± 12.3	0.482 ± 0.078
Short scrotum	17	56.2 ± 7.7	116.5 ± 8.2	0.548 ± 0.063
ALL	60	57.3 ± 9.6	113.4 ± 13.4	0.510 ± 0.079

During the 110 day feeding period, the lambs were fed at a moderate nutrition level: pasture + some grain. Pastures were a mixture of annual forages (spring oats and dwarf pearl millet) and perennial grass (mostly fescue). Grain was a mixture of whole barley, soybean meal, and minerals (hand-fed twice daily). Hay was fed at the beginning of the period, as pastures were slow coming.