Effect of Grazing Management of Annual Pastures on Body Weight and Subsequent Wool and Lamb Production of Nonlactating Ewes

Ewes were grazed on either oats-rape or Sudangrass pasture on either a continuous basis or a restricted-time basis (52% of the time) with three replications per treatment during 2 years. Restricting the grazing time of the ewes on oats-rape pasture resulted in 101 and 125% increase in carrying capacity in 1962 and 1963, respectively. Weight losses were significantly greater under restricted grazing, but treatment had no significant effect on wool weight, lambing percent or birth weight of lambs. Restricted grazing of ewes on Sudangrass increased the carrying capacity 89% and 46% in 1962 and 1963, respectively. Weight gains and lamb production were not affected significantly in 1963, and wool production was not affected significantly during either year.