Abstract #T190

# T190
Performance and reproductive measurements by spring-born Katahdin ewes grazing stockpiled toxic tall fescue, non-toxic tall fescue, or Persist orchardgrass.
H. L. Bartimus*1,2, B. C. Shanks1, J. D. Caldwell1, A. L. Bax1, L. S. Wilbers1, A. J. Kempker1, J. D. Walker1, C. A. Clifford-Rathert1, A. K. Busalacki1, 1Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO, 2University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.

Stockpiled forages are an alternative to expensive feedstuffs and may extend the grazing season through the winter months for small ruminant producers. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of stockpiled endophyte-infected tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh; E+], novel endophyte-infected tall fescue (NE+), and Persist orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.; OG) on performance and reproductive measurements by spring-born Katahdin ewes. Over 2 consecutive years, Katahdin ewes (n = 116; 27.7 ± 0.57 kg initial BW, 2.8 ± 0.05 initial BCS) were stratified by weight and BCS and allocated randomly to 1 of 3 treatments consisting of: 1) E+ (5 replications), 2) NE+ (5 replications), 3) OG (5 replications). Each year, excess forage was grazed in early August, 54 kg N/ha was applied in mid-September, and beginning in early November grazing was initiated. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with 2 preplanned orthogonal contrast statements to evaluate ewe performance and reproductive measurements: 1) the mean of E+ vs. the mean of NE+ and OG and 2) the mean of NE+ vs. the mean of OG. Pregnancy rates and percentage of multiple births were analyzed by the Chi-squared procedure of SAS. Ewe BW, BCS, total gain, and ADG did not differ (P ≥ 0.12) across treatments at the initiation of the study, at breeding, end of breeding, or end of the study. Pregnancy rates did not differ (P ≥ 0.19) across treatments. Percentage of multiple births tended (P = 0.07) to be greater from NE+ and OG compared with E+ (19 vs. 0%, respectively) and tended (P = 0.07) to be greater from NE+ compared with OG (19 vs. 0%, respectively). Therefore, grazing spring-born Katahdin ewes on stockpiled endophyte-infected tall fescue, novel endophyte-infected tall fescue, or Persist orchardgrass during the winter months may result in similar performance and pregnancy rates. However, grazing ewes on stockpiled novel endophyte-infected tall fescue may result in more multiple births.

Key Words: Katahdin, grazing, performance