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Citation

Thesis Title
Effects of ewe age on offspring development and performance

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Farmers in New Zealand are still reluctant to breed ewe lambs despite the financial advantages this practice can offer. This is due in part to inadequate information regarding ewe lamb progeny performance. Ms Loureiro examined the production performance of singleton and twin progeny born to ewe-lamb mothers and mature adult ewe mothers. Progeny were monitored to 3.5 years of age and results revealed that live weight of offspring born to ewe lambs was lower compared with those born to adult ewes, especially that of twins; however, there was little impact of maternal age on offspring reproductive, body composition and lactational performance. This suggests that despite the lighter live weight of ewe-lamb progeny, these animals can be retained in the breeding flock and perform successfully. Her results will be disseminated to farmers and industry advisors to support and add value to the New Zealand sheep industry.

Supervisors
Professor Paul Kenyon
Professor Hugh Blair
Dr Sarah Pain