ChileanJAR

The study w carried out at the Hidango Experimental Substation (INIA, coastal dryland, VI Region), during 1983.A complete randomized design, with a split-plot arrangement, was used. Main objectives were to evaluated the effects of stocking rate on liveweight of ewes during pregnancy. Stocking rates were 14.5, 19.4, 24.0, and 30.0 animals/ha. The trial started early in February and lasted 85 days. lnitial ury matter availability was 7,190 kg/ha. Botanical composition was: hardinggrass (Phalaris aquatic) 6.6; subclover (Trifolium subterraneum) 8.2; other legumes 21.4, annual grasses 15.1, other species 10.4 and wheat straw 38.4%. Average apparent daily intakes/head were: 1,898 g of dry matter, and 3.86 It of water per animal or 56.9 g water/kg liveweight. All treatments (without statistical differences in final L.W.; P > 0.05), showed an initial decrease in L.W., followed by its recuperation and maintenance thereafter. The mean Ioss of L.W. per animal, for all treatments, was 2.04 kg.