MODULE 10: Wean More Lambs

Module Index

Module 1 - planning

Module 2 - wool

Module 3 - meat

Module 4 - people

Module 5 - NRM

Module 6 - soil

Module 7 - pasture

Module 8 - grazing

Module 9 - genetics

Module 10 - more lambs

Module 11 - sheep health

Module 12 - pastoral production

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MODULE 10: Wean More Lambs

What does this module do for you?

This module provides the framework and guidelines to set in place all the important management steps to improve flock reproduction rates and lamb survival to weaning. It enables you to:

Understand how to get most ewes in-lamb.
Value the importance of nutrition for reproductive performance.
Develop a management plan to prepare ewes for lambing and optimise lambing performance.
Understand the reasons for lamb losses at lambing and develop management strategies to minimise lamb losses.
Recognise the important steps to ensure weaner survival and appreciate the steps required for young sheep to meet growth targets and achieve acceptable first joining pregnancy rates.
Prepare ewes for next joining.

The AWI Lifetimewool project has demonstrated extra profits can be achieved by improved management of ewes. Whilst stocking rate is the key driver, enterprise profits can be increased by 10-15% per ewe in flocks that are managed to appropriate condition score targets, on top of returns that can be made 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.

Module 10 Contents

Procedures

10.1	Ensure most ewes get in-lamb – discusses the management of ewes and rams to achieve the best possible mating.	View Procedure
10.2	Manage your ewes to improve lamb survival – deals with management of ewe nutrition during pregnancy to increase lamb birth weight and survival.	View Procedure
10.3	Keep maximum number of lambs alive to weaning - targets those management practices that are cost effective and will improve lamb survival.	View Procedure
10.4	Manage weaners for lifetime productivity - managing lambs immediately after weaning for survival and productivity.	View Procedure
10.5	Prepare your ewes for next joining – post-weaning management of ewes to set-up the next joining.	View Procedure

Tools

10.1	Condition scoring	View Tool
10.2	The lambing planner	View Tool
10.3	How the ‘ram effect’ works	View Tool
10.4	Recommended condition score and fat score targets for ewes	View Tool
10.5	Bodyweight targets for weaners and young ewes	View Tool
10.6	Ram check list	View Tool
10.7	Pregnancy scanning of ewes	View Tool
10.8	Check list for new born lamb mortalities	View Tool