Litter Size

AnFeirmeoir

I read in some teagasc newsletters and on the IFJ about having your ram in good condition and about using the ram effect to increase litter size.

I can understand how this could increase the number of ewes to be served first time and reduce the lambing spread. But, how can this increase litter size?
I may need to look at some biology books again:o but is it now up to the ewe how many lambs she has?

DMAXMAN

AnFeirmeoir wrote: »

I read in some teagasc newsletters and on the IFJ about having your ram in good condition and about using the ram effect to increase litter size.

I can understand how this could increase the number of ewes to be served first time and reduce the lambing spread. But, how can this increase litter size?
I may need to look at some biology books again:o but is it now up to the ewe how many lambs she has?

remember reading somewhere that sheep release most eggs for breeding on their first cycle, so that may be where that idea comes from

Bleating Lamb

Don't know if it would stand up to scientific testing but I always find that there are more twins/triplets born in first half of lambing and the ewes that hang on for ages usually end up having singles so there may be something in the more eggs been released research.

Username John

DMAXMAN wrote: »

remember reading somewhere that sheep release most eggs for breeding on their first cycle, so that may be where that idea comes from

I thought I read somewhere that it was the second or subsequent cycles where more eggs were released?
But I must be remembering it wrong...

rancher

Username John wrote: »

I thought I read somewhere that it was the second or subsequent cycles where more eggs were released?
But I must be remembering it wrong...

You'll definitely have more lambs on the second cycle than the first.
Always use the ram effect here, really tightens up the lambing.
Our scanning rate in adult ewes is around 200% most years

tabby aspreme

I find here most of the singles are born before the triplets , scanning 185 - 195%

rancher

tabby aspreme wrote: »

I find here most of the singles are born before the triplets , scanning 185 - 195%

Another advantage of tightening up the lambing, singles and triplets lambing together. we did 56 wet adoptions last spring,

AnFeirmeoir

i had all twins earlier and singles later last year.
This is still all about the ewe and what cycle she is on. I agree that the ewe should be on her 2nd or later cycle and the ram effect can compact lambing.

Still doesnt explain how having a ram in good condition v one in bad condition can effect litter size.