Document Type
Report
Report Number
SHEEP 97-2
Publication Date
1997
Keywords
ewe, lambs, reproductive performance, puberty
Summary
Previous work at SDSU and numerous other stations has shown poor success in getting ewe lambs to lamb for their first time in the fall. Under natural conditions during the spring (April-May), day length is increasing which inhibits cyclic activity in the ewe. Exposure to short days has been shown to stimulate estrous activity. However, facilities necessary to achieve a light tight chamber on a large scale is not cost effective. It was hypothesized that if day length is artificially extended prior to the anticipated breeding season and allowed to return to a natural shorter day cyclic activity might be initiated in ewe lambs. This study was based on the hypothesis that ewe lambs need to experience a "long day" followed by a "short day" after they are old enough and big enough to initiate puberty.
Number of Pages
4
Type
text
Format
application/pdf
Language
en
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright © 1997 South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Slyter, A. L.; Hanson, Dana; Anderson, G.; and Read, Bruce, "Effect of Extended Light on Growth and Fall Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Ewe Lambs" (1997). South Dakota Sheep Field Day Proceedings and Research Reports, 1997. 2.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/sd_sheepday_1997/2