FERTLITY IN SHEEP.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13233, 29 September 1908, Page 2

FERTLITY IN SHEEP.

Mr Primrose McConnell has an interesting note in "The Dairy" upon the above subject and it contains some information that will be new to some of our flock owners. The information is the outoomo of the investigations of a committee of the Highland and - Agricultural Society of Scotland, with the aid of Dr. Marshall, of Edinburgh University, for the purposes of ascertaining the causes of fertility in ewes. The first conclusion arrived at, and is well understood here, is that "flushing" at the tupping season has a very greatbeneficial effect on the percentage of lambs born—i.e., for a few weeks prior to and during the mating Reason the owes get extra feeding, either in the shape of better grass, green crops, etc. Whether this extra food pays for itself ie another matter, but as most flockmasters like to see plenty or twin lambs, it is probable that it does. The most important result of the inquiry, however, is the proof that is obtained that focnndity is hereditary—in other words, that sheep by selection can be bred to yield twin lambs every time. The investigation was made in the case of the Scottish breeds of sheep, but the experience of a Hampshire breeder is given, who, by selection alone, has been able to obtain a orop of 200 lambs to every 100 ewes. There is the possibility that sometimes one good lamb is better thai two weaklings, and in the case of hill breeds of sheep high feeding is. never , •practised at any but with tho large, low country kinus, where heavy reeding and folding is the rule, extra lambs are expected and desired. And now comes the principal point in thes3 recommendations —viz., that the power to yield two lambs per head is hereditary and may bo improved by selection. The ewe lambs from an ewe that always bears twins are likely to be twin-bearers in thejr turn, but Dr. Marshall points out that the same principle applies to the ram lambs. The fear that a twin will not be strong and vigorous enough has deterred many from rearing such for rams, but it is certain that rams of this description will bring most twin lambs in turn and evidence is given to prove this, while a littlo extra feeding in their youth will help to develop greater vigour. The same investigator points out the great necessity for systematic investigation being still further carried out. There have been feeding experiments carried out to test the effect of various foods on the wool, and on the mutton, but none on the results of feeding on the fecundity of the ewes, and he argues in favour of this, and further recommends flockmasters to keep a noto of their own experiments and experiences. There is an immense amount of knowledge and experience among individual flockmasters which is practically wasted because it is never put on record or given to the public. The resulte noted above were obtained by circulars issued to about fifty flockmnsters and are a sample of what might be done by collating the information and experience of many men. Similar ob6ervntione and experiments on thw lm n might with profit be carried out in New Zealand.