Module 10: Wean more lambs

Overview

Module 10 Wean More Lambs outlines the important management steps to improve flock reproduction rates and lamb survival to weaning.

The AWI Lifetimewool project has demonstrated that extra profits can be achieved by improved management of ewes. While stocking rate is the key driver, sheep producers can increase enterprise profits by 10–15% per ewe in flocks managed to appropriate condition score targets, on top of returns they can make from optimising stocking rate. Part of the benefit comes from improving reproductive performance of the ewes and part comes from increasing the lifetime productivity of progeny.

Learning outcomes

On completing this module you should be able to:

Determine the best time to lamb and join ewes as well as the best approach to managing ewes and rams for joining.
Know how to manage ewes during pregnancy (e.g. value the importance of ewe nutrition and minimising ewe stress).
Apply the fundamental principles to increase lamb survival (i.e. recognise the reasons for lamb losses and implement strategies to minimise these losses).
Manage weaners for lifetime productivity (i.e. know when to wean and how to ensure young sheep meet growth targets).
Adequately prepare ewes for joining (e.g. recognise that genetic selection can be used for reproductive performance).