Manage weaners for lifetime productivity

Management of lambs after weaning has an important influence on reducing post-weaning mortality and increasing lifetime productivity and profitability. Three key management aspects affect weaner productivity: 

• Weaners need to reach target weaning weight (45% of standard reference weight) and keep growing to ensure highest survival rates. 
• Access to quality feed to achieve growth targets and meet market specifications. 
• Ewe weaners need to reach growth targets after weaning to achieve satisfactory reproduction performance as maiden ewes and throughout their lifetime. 

There is a strong association between post-weaning survival, liveweight and growth rate. Small increases in weaning weight make a profound difference to weaner survival. The close association between growth rate, liveweight and mortality risk means supplementary feeding is often a cost-effective option for weaners. Pay special attention to weaner health, such as vaccination, drenching and flystrike prevention.  

Early selection of paddocks is a critical component of managing lambs immediately after weaning. Ideal weaning paddocks feature high feed quality, low grass seed infestation, low worm risk and high-quality stock water.