Shelter for lambing in southern New Zealand. II. Sheltering behaviour and effects on productivity

摘要

Abstract Sheltering behaviour of lambing sheep and effects of shelter on productivity were investigated on West Otago and Southland farms in September‐October 1996. On six farms, unshorn twin‐bearing ewes (mean =185 per farm) were set‐stocked in 3–4, approximately 5‐ha, exposed paddocks, subdivided with an electric fence, with ewes stocked equally on each half. On one half of each paddock, 63 straw bales were spread in four different designs. Farmers recorded lamb removals, mortality, and numbers and weights at docking. Sheltering behaviour was observed on two farms. Few deaths (1%) were attributable to poor weather and no effects of shelter on productivity were seen. Sheltering behaviour differed between farms. A significant proportion (35–40%) of newborn lambs were observed within shelter. Least used shelters were near roads, human activity, and paddock ends, and an X‐shaped design was used most of the four (P < 0.05). For a realistic estimation of effects of shelter on productivity, research should cov...