Effects of lupin grain and type of cereal grain on the value of a hay supplement in the diet of lambing ewes during drought

Abstract

Two flocks of Border Leicester x Merino ewes, due to lamb at different times (early or late winter), were fed drought rations of either wheat or oat grain, with or without lupin grain, and with or without hay, from 2 weeks before to 6 weeks after lambing. All ewes were offered an estimated 8.7 and 14.5 MJ ME/head.day when pregnant and lactating, respectively. Lupins, when included in the diet, replaced 25% of cereal grain ME; and hay replaced 14% and 20% of cereal grain ME for pregnant and lactating ewes, respectively. Treatment rations had no effect on liveweight or condition of the ewes. Effects on lamb birth weights, growth rate to 17 days, numbers weaned, ewe milk production after 29 days lactation and ewe fleece weights were as follows. Feeding oats, in comparison to wheat, improved growth rate (30 g/day), numbers weaned (16 per 100 ewes lambing) and fleece weight (90 g). Feeding lupins improved birth weight (0.2 kg), growth rate (20 g/day), numbers weaned (12 per 100 ewes lambing), milk production (18 ml/h) and fleece weight (70 g). Feeding hay improved growth rate (17 g/day) but decreased fleece weight (160 g). There were no interactions between treatments. Treatment rations did not affect fertility in the year following feeding.