EFFECT OF SHEARING ON THE INTAKE OF ROUGHAGES IN LACTATING EWES

Y. Aleksiev;, Ts. Hristova;, G. Dimov

Abstract: Effect of shearing on feed intake was studied in lactating Tsigai ewes shorn in April. The Sheep were offered a daily ration comprising of chopped hay administered ad libitum and concentrate. Dry matter intake decreased by 7.9% and 13%, respectively, on the day of shearing and on the first day thereafter, and neared the pre-shearing level on the second day after shearing. The changes illustrated the short-term effect of nervous stress provoked by the treatment. Overall for the post-shearing period the average daily dry matter intake increased by 1.6 % compared to the corresponding average pre-shearing value. The increase was entirely at the expense of roughages. The data suggest that voluntary intake of hay appeared to be limited by the restriction of the rumen capacity and/or the rate of digesta passage through the gastrointestinal tract. The findings add further support to the contention that the sheep-feeding strategy depends on factors other than the brief changes in energy requirements and the level of intake could not be used for assessment of changes in heat production.

Keywords: feed intake; shearing; sheep

Date published: 2023-01-24