Module 10 Wean More Lambs
Introduction
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 LifetimeWool project demonstrated that 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.
Management of ewes and rams to achieve the best possible joining.
Management of ewe nutrition during pregnancy to increase lamb birth weight and survival.
Management practices that are cost effective and will improve lamb survival.
Managing lambs immediately after weaning for survival and productivity.
Post-weaning management of ewes to set-up the next joining.
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