Performance by Katahdin Ewes Supplemented With Different Levels of Raw Whole Soybeans While Grazing Stockpiled Tall Fescue - One Year Summary

Abstract Text:

The phenomenon of flushing in sheep has been well documented and various supplements have been utilized to increase pre-breeding nutrition.  One option, when available and economically priced, may be raw whole soybeans (RWSB).  However, there is minimal research examining the use of RWSB in sheep diets.  The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of RWSB supplementation during the flushing period on performance by Katahdin ewes while grazing stockpiled tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh].  Sixty-four Katahdin ewes (63 ± 1.4 kg initial BW; 3 ± 0.05 initial BCS) were allocated randomly by age, BW, and BCS to 1 of 8 groups.  Groups were then assigned randomly to 1 of 3 RWSB treatments based on percent of BW (as-fed): 1) 0 % (control; 2 replications), 2) 0.25 % (3 replications), or 3) 0.50 % (3 replications).  Ewes had access to stockpiled tall fescue and were offered treatment diets for 14 d prior to breeding.  At breeding, rams that had passed a BSE were placed in each replication for 44 d.  At breeding, end breeding, and final weights and BCS did not differ (P ≥ 0.22) across treatments.  Ewe ADG, total gain, BCS change during the breeding season, total BCS change, pregnancy rates, and lamb counts did not differ (P ≥ 0.20) across treatments.  Therefore, supplementing ewes that are grazing stockpiled tall fescue at 0.25 or 0.50 % of body weight (as-fed) with raw whole soybeans may not improve gains and reproductive performance.

Keywords: Breeding, Sheep, Soybeans