Does early pregnancy nutrition affect the performance of triplet-bearing ewes and their progeny to weaning?

Abstract

Triplet-bearing ewes were offered one of three pastoral-based nutritional regimens from day 21 to day 50 ofpregnancy (P21 to P50): su3b-maintenance (SM), maintenance (M) or ad lib (AD). From P50 to term, ewes were managed with the aim ofensuring total liveweight increased with expected gravid uterus mass. AD ewes were heavier (P<0.05) and had greater (P>0.05) body condition scores than both SM and M ewes at P50, with the latter two treatments not differing (P>0.05). Ewe nutritional treatment had no effect (P>0.05) on lamb birthweight, indices of colostrum uptake or lamb weaning weight. In conclusion, the data suggest that the nutrition of triplet-bearing ewes in the early pregnancy period can be controlled without any deleterious effects to offspring. However, it is important to note that in mid to late pregnancy the ewes were managed to ensure gravid uterus development was not impeded. © 2011 The Royal Society of New Zealand.