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A note on the use of condition scoring in commercial sheep flocks

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

G. E. Pollott  and
J. B. Kilkenny
G. E. Pollott
Affiliation:
Meat and Livestock Commission, P.O. Box 44, Queensway House, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2EF
J. B. Kilkenny
Affiliation:
Meat and Livestock Commission, P.O. Box 44, Queensway House, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2EF
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Summary

Three aspects of body condition scoring in commercial sheep flocks were examined. Ewes in 44 flocks were condition scored when the rams were introduced to the flock and their subsequent lambing performance was recorded. The pooled regression coefficient obtained for the relationship between individual ewe condition score and litter size was 0·29±0·0243 with a squared correlation coefficient of 1·96%.

Between flock differences accounted for 57% of the variation in ewe condition score. Within the breeds recorded average flock condition score at mating was related to the number of live lambs born per 100 ewes mated. This relationship is shown for several breeds of ewe. A further 27 flocks were involved in a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific use of condition scoring. Ewes were scored 6 to 8 weeks before mating and in 12 flocks the ewes in poor condition were given an improved plane of nutrition. These ewes showed an improvement of 12 lambs born per 100 ewes mated over ewes not given better nutrition.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 23 , Issue 2 , October 1976 , pp. 261 - 264
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1976

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References

REFERENCES

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