Summary
This field trial investigated the suitability of soy hull supplementation as an alternative to conventional corn/soybean meal for hair sheep ewes in a pasture-based accelerated mating system, evaluating effects on pre-weaning lamb performance across breeds and seasons. Ewes of two Landrace hair sheep breeds were allocated to supplement treatments from the last trimester of pregnancy across three breeding seasons, allowing assessment of supplement type, season and breed interactions. The study contributes evidence on cost-effective and potentially more forage-compatible supplement options for extensive sheep production systems operating under year-round or accelerated breeding schedules.
UK applicability
This study was conducted in the United States using tropical-origin hair sheep breeds not commonly farmed in the UK; however, findings on alternative supplement types and seasonal nutritional management may offer limited transferable insights for UK producers managing ewes on pasture-based systems, particularly where soy hull availability is relevant to ration formulation.
Key measures
Pre-weaning lamb growth rate; lamb fitness indicators; ewe body condition; supplement type (corn/soybean meal vs soy hulls); breed (Barbados Blackbelly vs St. Croix); season of lambing
Outcomes reported
The study measured pre-weaning lamb growth performance and fitness indicators in hair sheep ewes supplemented with either corn/soybean meal or soy hulls across three breeding seasons and two breeds in an accelerated mating system.
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