Improving reproductive performance of ewe lambs bred at 8 months of age

Presenter:
Paul Kenyon, Ph.D.
Head of Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Professor of Sheep Husbandry
Massey University, New Zealand

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Date: October 11, 2016

Description:
Ewe lamb breeding is a tool for farmers to use to increase production levels and efficiency. However, many in the industry either do not utilize this management option or have tried and failed. We undertook a multiple year scientific program to identify; i) optimal nutritional management prior to breeding and in pregnancy and lactation, ii) optimal management of the ram to maximize reproductive results, iii) management of the young dam in late pregnancy and in lactation to maximize the survival of the lamb(s), iv) live weight and body condition score targets, v) management strategies to maximize the chance that lifetime productivity is increased by breeding her at a young age and, vi) examine the productivity of offspring born to ewe lambs. We have now put together a management package with clear guidelines which identifies how to manage these young dams effectively. I will discuss this and briefly outline the current state of the New Zealand sheep industry and where we see it heading.

The online book referenced by Dr. Kenyon at the beginning of the presentation is available at the following URL:
http://www.beeflambnz.com/Documents/Farm/Hogget%20performance%20-%20unlocking%20the%20potential.pdf

This webinar is made possible with funding support from the Let’s Grow Committee of the American Sheep Industry Association.

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