A note on the changes in the preweaning growth of Pelibuey lambs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of age of dam (AD), type of birth (TB) and age of the lamb (AL) on growth measured in terms of body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) in intermediate stages between birth and weaning of the Pelibuey lambs. Twenty-two Pelibuey ewes (primiparous = 10 and multiparous = 12) and their lambs (n = 34) were used in a 2 x 2 x 5 factorial design. The factors were AD (primiparous and multiparous), TB (single and multiple) and AL (1, 10, 20, 30 and 60 days old). BW and ADG of lambs between birth and 60 days old was studied. BW and ADG were affected (P < 0.05) by TB, AL and the interaction TB x AL. However, BW and ADG were not affected (P > 0.05) by AD and the interaction AD x AL. In conclusion, the body weight and average daily gain of the lambs were affected by type of birth, age of lamb and type of birth x age of lamb.