The ram lambs had the highest ADG, 0.607 ± 0.194 lbs. per day. The short-scrotum (SC) lambs had a higher ADG than the wether lambs: 0.602 ± 0.172 vs. 0.508 ± 0.166 lbs. per day. For the first 91 days, ADG has ranged from 0.508 to 0.969 lbs. per day and averaged 0.739 ± 0.093 lbs. per day. The median ADG is 0.733 lbs. per day.
For the first 91 days, the ram lambs have the highest ADG: 0.787 ± 0.112 lbs. per day. The short-scrotum lambs have a higher ADG than the wether lambs: 0.749 ± 0.067 lbs. per day vs. 0.693 ± 0.068 lbs. per day. The ADG of the ram lambs is 13.8 percent higher than the wether lambs. The short-scrotum lambs are gaining 8.1 percent more than the wether lambs. The differences have been consistent across weigh periods.
Sex | No. | Start wt. | 91-d weight | 91-d ADG | ADG ratio |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ram | 21 | 45.0 ± 10.3 | 116.7 ± 17.3 | 0.787 ± 0.112 | 113.8% |
Short scrotum | 18 | 45.1 ± 10.9 | 113.2 ± 12.8 | 0.749 ± 0.067 | 108.1% |
Wether | 25 | 43.5 ± 10.9 | 106.5 ± 12.9 | 0.693 ± 0.068 | 100.0% |
ALL | 64 | 44.4 ± 10.6 | 111.8 ± 14.9 | 0.739 ± 0.093 |
No lambs have required deworming. FAMACHA© scores are mostly 1s and 2s. A ram lamb was removed from the study for health reasons.
The lambs are grazing of five acre paddock of cool season grasses, legumes, and forbs. They are being hand-fed grain twice daily, at approximately 3% of body weight. The grain is a balanced mix of whole barley, soybean meal, and minerals.