Nutritional Management
After arrival and a 3-d adaptation to individual pens
and pelleted diets, ewes were allocated randomly to 2
nutritional groups, as just described. The diet contained
(% of dietary DM): dehydrated beet pulp, 36.5%; dehydrated
alfalfa, 20.3%; corn, 24.2%; soy hulls, 16%; and
soybean meal, 3.0%. The pelleted (0.48-cm diameter)
diet, which was prepared and analyzed on site, supplied
2.4 Mcal of ME and 130 g (13%) of CP per kg of diet
(DM basis) and was offered in 1 equal portion daily.
During the first 4-wk (acclimation) period, control ewes
received 1,000 g/d and underfed ewes received 600 g/d
(DM basis). The acclimation period transitioned ewes
into the second 4-wk period, which again contained 2
different planes of nutrition. After the first 4-wk acclimation
period, dietary intake was reduced in control
ewes so that BW and condition were maintained (adequate;
fed 720 g/d of diet DM) and underfed ewes were
restricted to 60% of controls (restricted; fed 432 g/d of
diet DM). Ewes were then maintained on their respective
planes of nutrition for 4 wk, until oocyte collection.