Early lamb weaning studies show benefitsLambs of ewes feeding on a legume-based diet can be successfully weaned at approximately 50 days old. Weaning early allows the ewe more time to gain body condition before the new breeding season starts in the autumn. In these conditions, weaning early onto a legume-based diet will increase the growth rates of the lamb. Previous studies have shown that when early weaned lambs are slaughtered at a traditional weaning age the dressing out percentage of early weaned lambs did not differ from those sent directly to slaughter off their dam." Secondly, they will look at the best management of the lamb prior to early weaning to ensure an easy transition for the lamb.

Source: Stuff November 07, 2017 00:11 UTC