Frequency of feeding during the periconceptional period did not alter reproduction in Merino sheep

Context During drought, it is currently recommended to feed complete rations sheep every second or third day, rather than daily, reduce labour costs and the incidence of shy feeders. However, frequency feeding ewes in periconceptual period may influence fertility fecundity therefore profitability. Aims The study was designed determine whether maintenance energy levels during joining affects reproductive performance wool production Merino ewes. Methods A group-fed pen conducted using two treatments four replicates. Naturally oestrous-cycling (n = 800) were fed barley grain (90%) wheat straw (10%) from 17 days before ram introduction until Day 30 a 48-day period, either once-daily on alternate at levels. Lambing recorded for 505 pregnant by 19 joining. Wool quality assessed 117 after commencement Key results Clinical acidosis occurred both treatments, although rate mortality low (4/800). proportion feeders not affected (P 0.486) 77, removed pens). For remaining ewes, weight loss reduced 1 kg 0.003) when daily. Plasma progesterone concentrations post-mating < 0.001) 18% with alternate-day feeding. Proportions mated, returning service, bearing multiple fetuses, lamb survival, weights marking semen morphology similar > 0.05) between groups. fibre diameter, staple strength yield treatments. Ewes as joined pasture 33% lower pregnancy but 17% higher fetuses pen-joined Conclusions can be high-grain 2-day intervals without reduction traits compared daily Implications Producers save longer intervals; however, greater monitoring management intervention needed maintain ewe liveweight long term. Impacts flocks acidosis, prolonged pre-joining, different diets require study.