Postweaning growth and reproductive performance of Pelibuey ewe lambs under an intensive feeding system

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age at first mating on the reproductive performance of Pelibuey ewe lambs. The study consisted of two trials: postweaning growth and reproductive handling. Twenty Pelibuey ewe lambs were used which were fed a complete diet throughout the study. In the first trial, the studied variable was the type of birth (TN). Body weight (PV) and daily weight gain (GDP) were studied during 42 days. The TN did not influence (P > 0.05) PV, GDP and age of the ewe lambs at 28 kg PV. In the second trial, the studied variable was the age of the ewe lamb at 28 kg PV: YOUNG (139 days) vs MATURE (169 days). PV and ewe lambs in estrus (%) were studied. In the MATURE group, a 43% (6/13) of ewe lambs in estrus were detected, whereas in the YOUNG group there were no ewe lambs in estrus (0/7). It was concluded that the type of birth of the ewe lambs had no effect on the postweaning growth performance nor the starting age for reproductive handling at a determined body weight. The starting age for reproductive handling of ewe lambs had an important effect on estrus detection, and there was a high ratio of reproductive failure in young ewe lambs.