Abstract

The effects on two-tooth reproduction of 3 times of shearing relative to joining either in early March or early April were investigated. Ewes were shorn either 4 or 2 weeks before joining or remained unshorn throughout. Ewe fertility was increased by shearing 4 weeks before joining compared with the other shearing treatments. Joining ewes in April increased fertility. It is concluded that ewes should be shorn at least 4 weeks before joining and joined in April rather than March if lamb production is to be maximised.

DC, Smeaton, RW Webby, H-UP Hockey, and TK Wadams

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 42, , 37-40, 1982