Increasing Lamb Survival By Selection For Temperament

Summary

This research project was conducted to investigate the association between temperament, maternal behaviour and lamb survival. The research was conducted in industry meat and wool flocks (Sub-project A) and in the UWA temperament selection line flock (sub-project B). It was concluded that selection for temperament is not likely to alter maternal behaviour during and immediately subsequent to parturition. Therefore, as an on-farm strategy, selection for temperament is not likely to result in significant improvements in lamb survival. Small gains in colostrum quality and neonatal suckling behaviour/vigour, which are important to lamb survival, may arise but only in those flocks where there has been significant selection intensity for temperament over several generations.