News
MAXIMISE LAMB PRODUCTION PROFITS
FOCUS ON INCREASING THE NET MEAT YIELD PRODUCED PER EWE/HECTARE!
Improved prime lamb and sheep production profits are driven by three factors:
1. Maternal and terminal sire genetics
2. Nutrition and husbandry
3. Reproduction frequency
PFMA focused on how to improve productivity and the profitability by working with applied nutrition and
fixed numbers of ewes of selected genetics and being joined with preferred terminal sires on the basis of
multiple lambings over a two year period by:
• Increasing the number of live lambs weaned at approximately 10 weeks of age
• Increasing the lambs growth rate and ultimate carcass dressing percentage (%)
• improving the quality and quantity of the net meat yield
• Increasing property meat production without increasing stock numbers
• Preserving grazing forage and ground cover
We found grazing pressure was manageable by setting the number of ewes. The application of performing
nutrition at selected times resulted in improved conception at joining and significant reductions with pre and
post lamb metabolic issues with the ewes at each lambing.
The lambs were healthier and stronger from birth and live lamb weaning numbers were higher than from
typical standard x-bred type ewes.
At weaning of the lambs the ewes welfare and body score condition was satisfactory.
Achieved production performance factors:
• To 55% increase with the number of live weaned lambs per ewe overall the two year period.
• LWG was noticeably improved, whether gained from pasture or concentrated feeding.
• Dressing percentages increased measurably as compared to the normal levels of average X bred lambs.
• Net merchantable meat yield increased substantially.
Multiple lambings over a fixed/set time period gives THE PRODUCER the option to split the lambing flock
for breeding ewe replacements. It also provides producers the opportunity to be able to better coincide
lambing with seasonal conditions and pending markets.
The cost of production pro rata is no higher at each lambing compared with single annual lambing ewes with
current producer accepted number of lambs at foot. Also, cash flow is significantly improved being spread
more evenly over the time period.
Feed science, combined with knowledge and the understanding of how to apply it, along with improved
genetics and agronomics will lead to further productive gains.
PFMA works directly with progressive producers, adjusting the multiple lambing programs to suit Australia’s
diverse geographical/topographical regions to ensure producers get the best out of their farming.
Contact PFMA for information on how to enhance your livestock production today!
PFMA (Prime Feed Materials Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Tele: (03) 9592 -6077
O4 28 330 200
Posted: May 2009.