Comparison of the progeny of Peppin and Bungaree Merino ewes when mated to Border Leicester rams

Abstract

Three hundred and thirteen Peppin, and two hundred and eighty-seven Bungaree Merino ewes were mated to Border Leicester rams in February 1974. The first cross lambs were weaned in November 1974 and grazed on pasture. Twenty-four first cross male lambs of each strain were slaughtered over a range of liveweights, and carcase characteristics recorded. The reproductive performance of the first cross ewes was recorded over a period of 5 years. The parent Bungaree ewes had significantly more multiple births and weaned 10% more lambs per 100 ewes lambed than did the parent Peppin ewes. The carcases of the first cross Bungaree male lambs contained a higher percentage of retail cuts and less fat trim than the first cross Peppin male lambs. More of the Bungaree first cross ewes reached puberty before 12 months of age (P < 0.01) they grew significantly faster, attained a higher mature body weight and grew more wool than did the Peppin cross ewes (P < 0.01 ). No significant differences could be detected between the two strains of first cross ewes in terms of onset of oestrus, ovulation rate or number of lambs born. The lambs reared by the Bungaree cross ewes were significantly heavier (P < 0.01) at 12- 13 weeks of age than those raised by the Peppin cross ewes.