Pregnancy scanning to identify triplet-bearing ewes is critical to improving the survival of these ewes and their lambs. New research has developed targets for ewe condition score during pregnancy and mob size during lambing to increase the survival of triplet ewes and their lambs and overall profitability. The potential increase in profitability from scanning for triplets and applying optimum management were up to $23 per triplet maternal ewe. MLA has recently released resources for producers to get the most out of scanning for triplets for ewe and lamb survival. Check them out below.
Producer resources
Project details
This national project aimed to identify key research gaps and engage with industry to determine the current mortality of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs, management strategies currently adopted to reduce rates of mortality and assess the on-farm impacts of the management tools identified by producers during the consultation process on the survival of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs.
Background
Increased focus on reproductive performance of Maternal and Merino ewes through improvements in ewe nutrition, genetics and management has increased the proportion of triplet-bearing ewes. Consequently, this has also increased the risk of ewe and lamb mortality as currently, less than 5% of ewes are scanned for triplet foetuses, yet on average, 5.9% of all ewes joined were identified as carrying triplets. Any increase to mortality limits potential productivity gains and can adversely influence community and consumer perceptions of animal welfare practices in the sheepmeat and wool industries.
Project outcomes
To achieve the goal of assisting producers that either scan for triplets or exclusively scan for multiples, the project:
- Completed a literature review and identified knowledge gaps on management practices to reduce the mortality of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs.
- Consulted with industry to: (i) determine baseline data for triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs; (ii) identify current industry recommendations and suggested best-practice for managing triplet-bearing Maternal and Merino ewes, and (iii) identify research priorities.
- Tested a suite of management practices identified by producers at on-farm research sites to determine their impacts on the survival of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs.
- Completed economic modelling and develop best-practice guidelines and extension materials for extension to industry.
- Published five scientific publications in refereed journals.
