Abstract

Romney, Coopworth and Perendale ewes were accidentally exposed to facial eczema before May 1 hogget mating at 9 months of age. Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels of individual animals were determined on 21 April. The ewes were divided into 3 classes for analysis based on the GGT levels: 1.<100 IU/1;2. 100-350 IU/1; and 3.>350 IU/1. At all matings over 4 years the ewes in class 3 had a lower fertility than class 1. These differences were only significant at the hogget and two-tooth mating. The total number of lambs weaned per ewe mated were class 1-5.0; class 2-4.4; and class 3-4.3 (P<0.1). There were no lifetime effects on fleece weight.

GH, Davis, TW Knight, E Sorenson, GH Shackell, MR Holmes, and PA Farquhar

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 50, , 453-454, 1990