Mating MERINO EWE LAMBS

Ben DuxsonGlendemar

Background 20 Years of pedigree data MERINOSELECT, since inception 5 years EID systemNow, genomics This year, TGRM matings12 years of trial and error, in ewe lamb

joining’s Involved in several trials

Why bother? Decrease the average age of the flock

More high value sales stock – lambs and breeding ewes

Early detection of ewes that are more fertile – sire, dam & progeny

Ramp up genetic gain

A tactical decision Not for everyone Don’t attempt to mate Merino ewe lambs if:

– You are getting low % in adults – fix that first– Weaners are light (tough season)– You don’t have an economical way to feed them

(lucerne, cheap grain etc) But it is an opportunity to capitalise on good

seasons and prices Requires precision management

Keys to success

Like everything in sheep it comes down to 3 things:

Feeding

Breeding

Management

Get these things right and it works Cost effective and simple

Feeding for success

Get the simple things right: Manage all ewes to LTEM guidelines

Manage lambs using HPW guidelines

Weight is critical

Above average for fat (Merino’s)

30 35 40 45 50 55 60405060708090

100110120130140

Weight at rams in (kg)

Lam

bs in

ute

ro p

er 1

00 e

wes

Feeding for success

The heavier they are the better they go

Breeding for success

Must use responsive genetics Naturally reproductive

High post-wean weight ASBVs

High fat & high muscle

Moderate fleece weight

Low wrinkle

0 2 4 6 8 100

20

40

60

80

100

ASBV for YWT (kg)

Ferti

lity

(%)

Breeding for success

0 2 4 6 8 100

20

40

60

80

100

ASBV for YWT (kg)

Ferti

lity

(%)

Breeding for success

YFAT = +1mm

YFAT = -1mm

WEIGHT YWT YFAT YEMD

TWINS 43.9 8.3 0.7 1.7

SINGLES 41.3 7.2 0.7 1.6

LOST 40.9 6.9 0.6 1.5

EMPTY 40.6 6.9 0.2 1.1

Source, Glendemar Data 2011, 935 ewes

Breeding for success

Following Year Lambed at 14 months

Didn’t Lamb

SINGLES 58% 56%

TWINS 31% 35%

DRY 11% 8%Source: Glendemar Data 2012 Scanning

Manage for success

Manage for success

Wean lambs early Have flexible management systems Find simple & cost effective systems Combine breeding & feeding

Things we are still investigating

Which sires/dams do it consistently What happens for the rest of the

ewes life? What is the production of lambs born

from lambs? Changes in weight while mating Economic cost/benefit