LAMBING PERCENTAGES
INFLUENCES TO BE CONSIDERED
1 During the next few weeks the percentage of lambs dropped next season will be determined, states Mr N. Lamont chairman of the Masterton District Primary Production Council. Most farmers rely almost entirely on pasture for flushing eyes and this explains the season variations in lambing percentages that occur. When early autumn rains increase the feed supply shortly before tupping, a good lambing is experienced the following spring. When autumn growth is lacking, percentages are low and the lambing season spreads over a longer period. Whatever the means employed, the flushing of ewes is well worth while and by flushing is simply meant an increased food supply sufficient to bring about a rising condition of the ewe. It has been found that, avoiding extremes of fatness or poorness, a ewe is most .fertile when on a rising condition such as results from improved feeding two or three weeks prior to tupping. Not only is fertility increased, but the flock tends to come in season within a ] shorter period and the lambing season is consequently shortened. The influence of the ram on fertility is restricted. If he is absolutely fit and vigorous no trouble will be experienced. and the percentage will depend on the ewes. If he is unsound, of course, trouble will be inevitable. One point that should be borne in mind is the necessity for attending to the ram’s feet and ensuring that, his activity is not reduced by footrot. Although a ram, assuming he is sound and vigorous, does not influence the fertility of his ewes, it must be remembered that he can transmit fertility factors to his daughters and consequently attention should be paid to the fertility of the strain from which he is bred.
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Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 February 1940, Page 9
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294LAMBING PERCENTAGES Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 February 1940, Page 9
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