CORN GLUTEN FEED SUPPLEMENTATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON MATURATION RATES IN RAMBOUILLET EWE LAMBS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of corn gluten feed on reproductive efficiency in Rambouillet ewe lambs. This study utilized 60 Rambouillet ewe lambs that were assigned to three different supplemental ration treatments (0%, 10%, & 30% Dry CGFP), with five animals per pen and four pens per treatment. Ewe lambs were exposed to three different supplementation diets and observed for average daily gain, the rate of conception, and lambing rate. Average daily gain was similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Conception and lambing rates were higher (P > 0.05) for ewes supplemented with 30% CGF compared to ewes supplemented with 0% CGF. Results indicate overall supplementation of 30% Dry CGF as a winter supplement, along with a high roughage diet, allows for greater reproductive production.