This zone is
characterised by
long growing
season and
winter rainfall
(>550mm) with
a mix of annual
grasses, perennial
rye-grasses and
sub
clover and
a total pasture
production of
6-8t/ha. |
|
The long growing season and
high production affects
the potential stocking rate
and pasture utilisation and
therefore affects the
recommendations for ewe
management.
Details on alternative
management targets
and the cost of missing
production targets can be
found in the economics
section
.The economic analysis that
supports these
recommendations is generated
using the Western Victoria
MIDAS model. Download
the full report of
the modelling for this
region (250kB
PDF)
Late
winter-spring
lambing
provides
the best
match of
pasture
availability
to the
energy
needs of
the ewe
and
lamb.
This
match
can
allow
more
sheep to
be run
relative
to
lambing
at other
times of
the
year.
The optimum profile for spring lambing flocks in the High Rainfall Zone (HRZ) as seen in Figure 1 is:
- to allow moderate loss of condition from joining to 'break of season', provided the condition can be regained prior to lambing on green feed
- aim for Condition Score 3 at joining
The most important target for ewe flocks is to regain condition lost in early pregnancy before lambing commences.
Meeting this target gives the optimum profitability.
Figure 1.
(click on image for printable version)
Ewes can lose some condition (0.3 of a condition score) over early pregnancy, however, they must regain all condition lost in early pregnancy by lambing.
Failing to meet the lambing target will decrease the value of the ewe's production by $16 per condition score. It costs at least $12/ewe to gain a condition score with grain feeding. Therefore gaining condition must be done with green feed.
Ewes require 800kg/ha FOO by day 90 and 1200 FOO by lambing for single ewes and 1800 FOO for twinning ewes to regain lost condition. If this amount of green feed isn't likely to be available then the next best approach is to maintain ewe condition throughout pregnancy. Establishing pastures should be deferred so that FOO targets can be reached.
Key points:
Increasing ewe condition should only be done using green feed. It is rarely economic to feed grain to increase condition
Only lose enough condition over autumn that can be regained using green feed after the break. Defered grazing tactics are important to meet pasture targets
If ewes are, by reason of a good summer, on a higher starting CS, continue to follow the shape of the profile rather than try to lose more condition. This will still give the highest economic return
Download/ request a hard copyof the Ewe Management Handbook for the High Rainfall Zone ... read more on the economics Download the full MIDAS economic analysis report (250kBs pdf) or
How whole farm profit is affected by the condition of ewes Improving ewe fleece weight and wool quality Ewes in better condition at joining conceive more lambs Improving lamb survival More productive lambs through better ewe management Managing twinning ewes for higher production Managing ewe mortality
Tools including Pasture photos, condition scoring and feed budgeting
For more information on lifetimewool please contact; southern sheep zone: Phil Graham, DPI NSW, Yass. northern sheep zone: Dr Sue Hatcher, DPI NSW, Orange
NSW lifetimewool newsletters
(to be added to the mailing list please email Sue Hatcher)
January 2005 April 2005 July 2005 October 2005 January 2006 April 2006 October 2006 April 2007 July 2007 October 2007
NSW DPI Primefacts
Maiden Merino ewe Conception Rates How responsive is the conception rate of your Merino ewes? Fat score of ewes at joining: the benefits of optimal nutrition
Back to Top
|