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Production of Hair Sheep Using Accelerated Lambing and an Extensive Management System in the Tropics

Author

Listed:
  • Godfrey, R.W.
  • Collins, J.R.
  • Hensley, E.L.
  • Buroker, H.A.
  • Bultman, J.K.
  • Weis, A.J

Abstract

St. Croix White and Barbados Blackbelly hair sheep ewes were managed using accelerated lambing in an extensive management system. Ewes grazed guinea grass (Panicum maximum) in a rotational grazing system throughout the year. Single sire breeding took place during 35-d periods in February, June or October with each flock producing three lamb crops every 2 years. Lambs were weaned at 63 d of age. Overall ewe fertility was 89.8% and prolificacy was 1.77 lambs per ewe lambing. Ewes that were bred in October had higher prolificacy (P < 0.0001) than ewes that were bred in February or June (1.87 vs 1.64 vs 1.73 lambs per ewe lambing, respectively). Ewes bred during October produced more triplets and fewer singles (P < 0.0001) than ewes bred at other times of the year. Ewe productivity, expressed as the ratio of litter weaning weight to ewe body weight, increased (P < 0.0001) from 41.6 to 50.3%) during a 10-yr period. These results show that hair sheep productivity can be sustained and enhanced using accelerated lambing and extensive management in the tropics.

Suggested Citation

  • Godfrey, R.W. & Collins, J.R. & Hensley, E.L. & Buroker, H.A. & Bultman, J.K. & Weis, A.J, 2004. "Production of Hair Sheep Using Accelerated Lambing and an Extensive Management System in the Tropics," 40th Annual Meeting, July 19-23, 2004, St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands 256194, Caribbean Food Crops Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:cfcs04:256194
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.256194
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