A note on the comparative reproductive performance of Friesland × North Country Cheviot and North Country Cheviot ewes on two levels of pasture prior to mating

Abstract

The Friesland or East Friesian breed of sheep is a heavy-milking type with a high level of prolificacy. The progeny of the cross with the Scottish Blackface female sheep (ewe) have been shown to have larger, heavier litters in a good lowland environment compared with crossbreds derived from other crossing sires (Boaz, Jones and Smith, 1980; British Friesland Sheep Society, 1983) and to have a higher twinning rate than Scottish Blackface ewes when mated on improved pasture on a hill farm (Doney, Peart, Smith and Sim, 1983). Information is required on the performance of crossbred ewes derived from Friesland sires on other hill breeds and run in less favourable environments such as are common in the hills and uplands.