Maximising Lifetime Productivity Through Targeted Nutrition During Pregnancy
Sheep breeders today are striving for increased efficiency with regard to improving lamb survivability, the number of lambs weaned per ewe and the longevity of the ewe lamb within the flock. The aim of our research is to identify the connection that is present between under and/or over feeding of the mother (ewe) during pregnancy and the impact this has on the future performance of her offspring with specific regard to immunity, growth, fertility and milk production. The outcome will be very beneficial to the future of sheep breeding in Ireland as it will allow a specific feed management programme for the pregnant ewe, focused on improving productivity and efficiency, to be outlined to Irish farmers indirectly increasing their farm income and profit.