Effects of heavier live weight of ewe lambs at mating on fertility, lambing percentage, subsequent live weight and the performance of their progeny

Ewe lamb live weight at first mating (7 months of age) is positively associated with reproductive performance and led to the recommendation of a minimum mating live weight of 40 kg. This experiment examined the effects of heavier mating live weight of ewe lambs on their live weight, fertility, lambing percentage and their progeny performance to weaning. Ewe lambs (n = 270) were randomly allocated to one of two treatments. The Heavy group (n = 135) was preferentially fed until mating, achieving 47.9 +/- 0.36 kg, while the Control group (n = 135) had an average mating live weight of 44.9 +/- 0.49 kg. Fertility, lambing percentage, ewe live weights, the survival and live weights of their progeny were recorded. There was a 28% increase in fertility and a 59% increase in lambing percentage in the Heavy group compared to the Control group. Progeny survival and live weights did not differ (P > .05) by treatment. A curvilinear relationship between fertility and ewe live weight at mating was identified, suggesting that ewe lambs should be mated at a live weight of 50-55 kg to maximise fertility and lambing percentage without reducing ewe live weight nor the progeny performance.

Automated summary

Ewe lamb live weight at first mating is positively associated with reproductive performance. Heavier mating live weight leads to better fertility and lambing percentage. However, the live weights of their progeny are not affected. It is recommended to mate ewe lambs at a live weight of 50-55 kg for maximum reproductive performance.