Effects of Two Different Rangelands on the Live Weight Development of Lambs

This study aimed to compare

the live weight development of lambs grazing on two rangelands differing in

soil and forage characteristics. A total of 40 lambs with similar initial live

weights were divided into two groups of 20 and grazed for 90 days. Live weights

were recorded at the beginning, middle, and end of the grazing period. Soil

samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, total

nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and texture. Forage

samples collected at the same periods were analyzed for dry matter, crude

protein, and crude ash. Live weight data were evaluated using a

repeated-measures mixed model.<o:p></o:p>

Initial live weights were

similar between Rangeland 1 and Rangeland 2 (24.18±0.49 vs. 24.06±0.52 kg;

P=0.864). Mid-period weights were 31.94±0.58 and 30.61±0.61 kg, respectively

(P=0.121), whereas final live weight was higher in Rangeland 1 (40.62±0.71 vs.

36.84±0.74 kg; P<0.001). Rangeland, time, and rangeland × time interaction

significantly affected live weight (P=0.018, P<0.001, and P=0.003,

respectively). Rangeland 1 had higher soil organic matter, total nitrogen,

available phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium. Its forage also had higher

crude protein content (14.38% vs. 11.62%; P<0.001), while dry matter and

crude ash contents showed smaller differences.<o:p></o:p>

The results indicated that the

more favorable soil fertility and forage protein content of Rangeland 1 were

associated with greater final live weight in lambs.<o:p></o:p>