P.PSH.1253 - Lamb Feedlotting Program

Summary

Seasonal (drought) and market (high lamb prices) conditions over the last three years have significantly increased the use of both containment areas and lamb feedlots. The 2019 Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)/Australian Wool Industry (AWI)AWI Sheepmeat survey demonstrated 21% of lambs nationally (35% of these lambs in NSW) were fed grain as their primary food source for at least 35 days. Similarly, there has been a large increase in the number of companies producing products to support sheep in intensive feeding environments, including aspects such as feeding, animal health, nutrition and pen design. 

This project was terminated in 2022, however the key objectives remain a priority for future research and development (R&D) investment. There is lack of definitive data supporting ideal systems for intensive feeding of sheep and lambs, and a wide range of recommendations are being provided to industry, sometimes with little supporting evidence available.

Objectives

This project aimed to create a program of work that centred around "Defining and supporting the development of the lamb feedlotting sector through establishing best practice under an integrated supply chain RD&A program". Four strategic pillars were proposed:
1. Nutrition and performance
2. Feedlot design and technologies
3. Animal health, welfare and environment
4. Consumer and value chain

Key findings

The program was terminated in 2022 due to financial constraints, low uptake of research projects against strategic pillars and limited engagement by the project Steering Committee and industry partners.

Benefits to industry

Lamb feedlotting offers the opportunity to increase consistency of supply, improve finishing efficiency. It also allows better management of business risk by lowering exposure to seasonal volatility.

MLA action

Whilst the program was terminated in 2022 due to the project partner under performing and the change in season resulted in reduced commercial partner interest in this space, the knowledge gaps remain, and further R&D investments in sheep feedlots remains a focus for the sheep R&D sub program. Due diligence will be undertaken to ensure the research program is fit for purpose for industry.

Future research

There is renewed interest in lamb feedlotting in the sheepmeat industry, leading to a renewed push for research investment by MLA.