[Jacob-list] Lamb size

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

Dan,
 
We have recently begun lambing but our past experience of 8 lambing seasons  
dictates the avg. gestation for ewes is 148 days.  I know this varies  from 
145-150 but for OUR farm, it seems to be 148 days exactly.  Size can  depend on 
various factors, like you mentioned.  Most often nutrition is the  underlying 
key, followed closely by conditions (weather) and genetics.  I  have many 
Jacob ewes who routinely lamb 8-11 pounders with little effort  while others 
follow the 5-6 lb. average -- regardless of factors.  Of  course, multiple births 
influence lamb size with singles often being larger than  twins but not always. 
 Don't you just love the "normal"? LOL  Thus  far, 8-9 lbs. is our average 
lamb weight this year, with 25 more ewe to  deliver.  Like I said, we are just 
getting underway.
 
If your ewes do not lamb on their first expected date and you know they are  
bred, add 16 days for a recalculation.  It is possible they were not  settled 
on their first exposure and came into estrus again on the 2nd  cycle.  This 
has worked for us when we have records indicating the initial  breeding date 
that fail to transpire by the calendar.
 
Good luck!  
Cheryl
 
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 
Buckhannon, West  Virginia
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