Body weight and blood parameters of Old Norse Sheep grazing coastal heathland

• Published in: Acta agriculturae Scandinavica. Section A, Animal science Vol. 59; no. 3; pp. 173 - 180
• Main Authors: Hovstad, K. A., Waldeland, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01-09-2009
• Subjects: Calluna vulgaris; coastal heathland; grazing; nature management; Old Norse Sheep; serum protein; sheep
• ISSN: 0906-4702; 1651-1972
• DOI: 10.1080/09064700903265006

This study describes development in body weight and blood parameters of Old Norse Sheep grazing coastal heathland throughout the year without supplementary feeding. A group of approximately 80 ewes were observed for five years. The average body weight in October was 23.0 kg for lambs and 31.9 kg for ewes two years and older. The growth rate of lambs was 150-200 g/day during the first four months from birth but decreased to 51 g/day from August to October. The autumn weight increased the first five years of life. Ewes displayed weight loss and low levels of serum protein during winter, indicating moderate undernutrition. The weight loss was positively related to age and initial weight. The levels of vitamin B
12
were higher than normally found in sheep on cultivated pasture. The serum levels of Ca, Mg and Cu were within the reference values, whereas the levels of inorganic P was slightly below the reference values.