Individual Preweaning Suckling Behavior of Single, Twin and Triplet Lambs

Preweaning suckling behavior of six ewes and their 12 single, twin or triplet lambs was studied via time-lapse cinematography and by direct observation. Examination of approximately 65,800 film frames and of event recorder data obtained at intervals during lamb ages 2 to 6 weeks established that the triplet lambs sucked less frequently and for shorter durations than did the single or twin lambs. The single and the twin lambs did not differ with respect to suckling frequency or duration. Frequency of stealing from ewes other than the dam were similar for all lambs, and intervals between sucklings were similar for single, twin and triplet lambs. The lambs in this study did not develop strict suckling side preferences.