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.
