Levels of first winter feeding in relation to performance of Cheviot hill ewes. I. Body growth and development during treatment period

Abstract

1. Over 3 years, different levels of first winter nutrition were imposed on groups of North and South Country Cheviot ewe hoggs (lambs). In 1956–57, three levels, high, mid and low, were fed indoors. In 1957-58, only two levels, high and mid, were fed indoors, with the low level being represented by hill wintering. In 1958–59, two levels were represented by away wintering and hill wintering.2. Low-plane feeding was designed to simulate average hill wintering, creating a 10% loss in live weight. Mid-plane feeding was designed to maintain live weight at approximately the same level throughout the winter. High-plane feeding was designed to produce a live-weight gain of 15–20% in 1956–57 and the maximum gain possible in 1957–58.