Effect on Body Composition and Weight of Ingesta of the Number of Lambs reared by Romney Marsh Ewes

Abstract

THE 39 two-year-old Romney Marsh ewes described by Barton and Ulyatt¹ in an investigation of the effects of four pasture types on body composition could also be divided into four birth-rank categories. The statistical analysis used was that of fitting constants by least squares, and birth-rank effects were separated from any associated effects of pasture type. The birth-rank categories were as follows: Ewes rearing twin lambs; ewes rearing single lambs; ewes which bore a lamb but did not rear it (lost lamb); and dry ewes. The lambs were weaned on December 4, 1958, and the ewes were slaughtered approximately two weeks later. The procedures used at slaughter and in the chemical analysis of the carcasses have already been outlined¹.