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High-Performance Sheep SystemsCAUCASIAN CLOVER PERSISTENCE Project leader: Mr Dick Lucas Project outline: The Caucasian clover persistence in sheep pastures project has four objectives: 1(a) To measure sheep liveweight gains during years 5,6 and 7 in an irrigated grazing experiment comparing Caucasian clover/ryegrass with white clover/ryegrass under high and low soil fertility. 1(b) To measure pasture production and clover content during years 7, 8 and 9 from a dryland experiment comparing the sociability of five perennial grasses sown with either Caucasian clover or white clover. 2. To measure the productivity of four clovers (white, Caucasian, subterranean, and balansa) when sown with cocksfoot under sheep grazing in dryland conditions. Ryegrass/white clover and lucerne are additional treatments. 3. To measure production and clover content in mature pastures on commercial farms. 4. To promote information on methods that will enable farmers to increase clover content in their mature pastures under both irrigated and dryland conditions. The contribution of white clover to mature pastures is often less than 10% of total annual yield. This is inadequate for rapid animal production. The project's general aim is to show how to increase clover content in pastures by using more persistent perennials such as Caucasian clover or annual species such as subterranean or balansa clovers, which are better adapted on shallow stony soils in summer-dry areas. Current results from both irrigated (objective 1a) and dryland (1b) indicate that total clover content in Caucasian pastures continues to be greater than in those sown with white clover. The above-average rainfall in January 2002 at Lincoln encouraged clover production in the dryland experiment at the start of its eighth year. In January and February clover contents for the white clover/grass treatments were between 22% (ryegrass) and 11% (cocksfoot), while for the Caucasian clover/grass treatments they were between 33% (ryegrass) and 20% (cocksfoot). Refer to Wool Grower Summer 2001 (issue #12, p. 22): 'Move over white clover'. DESIGNER SWARDS FOR INCREASED LAMB GROWTH Project leader: Dr Alastair Nicol Project outline: The aims of this project are to: Increasing lamb growth rate not only improves the efficiency of lamb production per se, but releases pasture that can be used to increase hogget or ewe liveweight, improving the reproductive potential of the flock. Optimum diet composition for maximum lamb liveweight gain may not be possible from conventional swards, and specially designed combinations of areas of different species may be required. Results from trials over the last two lamb finishing seasons (October to March) have consistently shown that lambs on a ryegrass/white clover pasture grow 12 to 14% faster when offered a supplementary area of pure clover (40% of the area). Offering supplementary pasture to lambs on lucerne did not consistently affect lamb liveweight gain. This season's 3 replicates of three treatments have been established. These treaments involve 0, 50 or 100% of the area of a ryegrass/white clover pasture being chemically treated to remove ryegrass. The 'cost' of this treatment in terms of reduced hogget grazing days in spring is being assessed against the 'benefit' of subsequent lamb liveweight gain. Provisional results suggest that the small additional lamb liveweight gain in increasing the area in clover from 50 to 100% comes at a large cost of reduced spring grazing. Refer to Wool Grower Spring 2001 (issue # 11, p. 10): 'Designer swards for lamb growth'.
Project leader: Dr Neil Clarke Project outline: The SIL recording system has concentrated on establishing a modern animal evaluation system for ram breeders and their clients - a national scheme using common data and trait specifications from a single unified database, which is processed for genetic decision-making through a common suite of modern breeding value algorithms. The development and implementation tasks fall into three broad groups: those concerned with data integrity and QA, which are of fundamental importance to the viability and reputation of the scheme and which directly influence the size and dedication of its client base; those concerned with the further development of its genetic engine capabilities; and those associated with service provider, breeder and ram-buyer understanding of the scheme. This project undertakes research and development for the continued improvement of the scheme in all three areas, with initial emphasis on the first and third. QA evaluations of the scheme's operational features have been undertaken using specifically constructed test flocks and industry back data from different previous schemes, to highlight precise unambiguous definitions of each basic and derived trait. This data has also been used to check and to demonstrate to breeders the new BLUP algorithms for evaluating animals from different years and flocks, making use of pedigree links. The algorithms have provided breeders with realistic examples of how different sources of information contribute to breeding value estimates, causing them to change as more information comes to hand. They have also provided specifications for alternative data export (filtering) procedures for handling animals transferred from other flocks, for specific breeding value requirements and for alternative reports. Improved technical capabilities allow for more information on adult body and fleece weights, for the derivation of contemporary and genetic groups, and for evaluating the genetic connectedness of animals in these groups.
Project leader: Assoc Prof Steve Morris Project outline: The specific objectives of this research are to compare ewe and lamb performance in triplet and twin-rearing ewes on various sward heights (and pasture masses) during pregnancy, over the lambing period and in lactation, and to compare measured feed intakes with those derived from published feeding tables in the literature. The feeding of triplet-bearing/rearing ewes under pastoral grazing conditions has not been fully researched in New Zealand. Research at Massey University in the late 1980s and early 1990s using the chromium marker technique has measured herbage intake of both single and twin-bearing/rearing ewes at grazing during both pregnancy and lactation. This has led to the development of guidelines for sward height and pasture mass requirements for these ewe groups. There are currently no objective guidelines for triplet-bearing/rearing ewes. There is, however anecdotal evidence for varying lambing performance and lamb growth rates for triplet- bearing/rearing ewes under differing pasture conditions. This project aims to provide a set of guidelines for farmers to feed high-fecundity ewes. A group of 128 ewes (64 twin and 64 triplet-bearing) will be identified from the commercial flocks after pregnancy scanning in June 2002 and transferred to the Massey University research farm. These ewes will be divided into four nutritional treatments during pregnancy (2, 4, 6 and 8 cm sward height representing poor, normal, generous and overgenerous feed supplies) and two during lambing and lactation (4 and 8 cm sward height, representing feeding recommendations for twins and a generous allowance for triplets). Each treatment will be replicated (n = 16 ewes in each replicate during pregnancy) to ensure statistical integrity. Ewe intakes will be measured using the n-Alkane technique. Ewe liveweights, condition scores, backfat, wool growth and quality traits, and grazing behaviour will be measured together with lamb birthweights and liveweight gains. FLUSHING EWES Project leader: Dr Andy Bray Project outline: Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a tannin-containing legume that has shown promise as a flushing feed in Meat & Wool Innovation-supported studies undertaken by Massey University and AgResearch Grasslands. This follows the demonstration of its ability to support rapid lamb growth as a result of the tannins protecting dietary proteins from breakdown in the rumen, and increased absorption of amino acids from the gut. Ewes fed on it have had 13 to 32% increases in ovulation rate, more than expected for their liveweight, after feeding for five or seven weeks before mating. However, it can be hard to establish, and requires careful management to ensure that it is not grazed out or swamped by weeds. The high costs and risks mean that only limited quantities of birdsfoot trefoil are likely to be available on a farm. This project will identify the minimum period over which it needs to be fed to obtain an increase in ovulation rate. Responses will be compared to those of ewes fed pasture only, or pasture supplemented with barley grain. The measurements will include ovulation rate, litter size at scanning and birth, and lamb birth weight. GENETICS AND BEHAVIOUR IN SHEEP Project leader: Prof Hugh Blair Project outline: The 1990s have seen an increasing focus on ewe fecundity. The relationship between lambing rate and lamb survival is poorly understood in New Zealand, and sheep farmers have focused selection pressure on fecundity traits in recent times. The price for lamb is continuing to increase. Farmers wanting to produce more lambs per ewe mated are introducing one or a combination of the following to their flock: highly fecund breeds such as the Finnish Landrace, speciality genes, hogget mating and application of fertility treatments like Androvax. If pregnancy and lambing are not managed appropriately, the increase in the number of lambs born per ewe mated comes at a cost. With up to 30% of lamb losses recorded between pregnancy-scanning and tailing, lamb survivability is a problem. The direct economic impact of these deaths is significant. In addition, consumers may choose not to purchase lamb meat from countries (or farms) with unacceptably high lamb death rates. Animal welfare and reproductive efficiency have been identified as priority research areas for the sheep industry. There have been some observed differences in the performance and behaviour of the Finnish Landrace and Texel ewes and their lambs. Anecdotal evidence points towards Texel lambs being extremely vigorous at birth, with higher survival rates. It has also been suggested that Finn ewes employ communal lamb-raising behaviour. This project aims to investigate straightbred Finn and Texel ewes and their lambs to identify any performance and behaviour differences that could be used to improve lamb-rearing success across New Zealand flocks. HIGH AND LOW BREEDING EFFICIENCY EWES Project leader: Dr Alastair Nicol Project objectives: Industry issues and desired outcomes: This project has identified that there are large variations in ewe efficiency within a flock, and that smaller framed twinning ewes are just as efficient (kg lamb weaned/kg ewe liveweight) as large. By comparing the productivity of flocks of small and large ewes selected from commercial sheep farms in separate farmlets, the output of lamb meat and wool per ha of large and small ewes can be established. The outcome of the project will be recommendations on whether national lamb meat and wool production can best be increased by a smaller flock of large ewes, or a larger flock of smaller ewes. Approach used and interim results: Refer to Wool Grower Spring 2001 (issue # 11, p. 16): 'Smaller ewes may be the answer' - But only if they're more efficient than their big sisters. HOGGET MATING AND EMBRYONIC MORTALITY Project leader: Assoc Prof Dave West Project outline: New Zealand sheep farmers are increasingly focusing on improved per-head sheep performance, and actively embracing the use of more precocious and fecund breeds and crosses such as the Finn. Hogget mating is another method of improving per-head performance in a flock. There remains scant objective information on hogget mating in New Zealand, and any research was done in the 1970s. The New Zealand Sheep Council has identified hogget mating as a priority research and extension topic. Many farmers, veterinarians and commercial scanners have reported anecdotal evidence of high losses between scanning and docking, particularly in young maiden ewes. This represents a loss of potentially viable lambs and thus a reduction in potential farm earnings. Losses can occur throughout pregnancy, and pregnancy scanners often observe embryonic mortality at the time of scanning. The specific objectives of this research are to: " determine by survey the extent and performance levels achieved
by hogget mating on New Zealand sheep farms Refer to Wool Grower Summer 2001 (issue #12, p. 25): 'Hogget mating' - Will you follow the trend? IMPROVED EFFICIENCY OF MEAT PRODUCTION FROM PERSISTENT HIGH-QUALITY PASTURES Project leader: Mr Tom Fraser Project outline: This project aims to identify management practices that will improve the persistence of new pastures. The study is investigating the role of soil fertility and fertiliser, seed mixtures and sowing rates, pasture establishment practices, drainage, and grazing management. The study involves farmer-established paddocks throughout New Zealand. AgResearch is running the project, but working with seed retailers and fertiliser industry representatives in each district. District representatives will maintain contact with farmers, and assist with sampling of study paddocks over the six years of monitoring from establishment. The project has the potential to benefit the sheep and beef industry by $20-$30 million per year. Expected benefits come from not having to renew pasture as frequently, resulting in savings on cultivation, seeds, and fertilisers. With improved persistence, and lower maintenance costs on new pastures, it is expected that farmers would plant more new pastures. A recent study indicated that the margin on planting new pasture types averaged over $50/ha/year over existing pastures. Perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, cocksfoot and chicory pastures with their associated legumes, are the pasture mixtures under investigation. Stage 1 of the project sampled 100 old pastures (average 15 years old) identified by the farmers as persistent pastures. Our analysis confirmed that these pastures contained productive species and the results indicated that fertility was an important issue in maintaining these productive persistent pastures (more details in 1999 Proceedings of the New Zealand Grasslands Association 61:9-15). Stage 2 is more in-depth, and will gather data through the life of a pasture right from establishment. Around 250 paddocks covering a wide range of sheep and beef properties throughout New Zealand are monitored. We are currently over halfway through the project with most pastures 3-4 years old. There is a lot of farmer involvement in this phase and some very useful information is being gathered. Interim results are disseminated through farmer workshops and to discussion groups. It is too early to provide persistence results on this phase, however over the next two years we expect to see some pastures begin to decline and we will report our findings over that time. LUCERNE AND CLOVER SYSTEMS FOR SHEEP Project leader: Prof Anthony Bywater Project outline: Recent intense east coast droughts and climate variability have again highlighted the limitation of ryegass/white clover-based pasture systems for dryland sheep farmers. Lucerne remains the key forage species to provide high-quality feed into the summer, when other species are suffering from a lack of water. New cultivars and refined management systems now provide pest resistance and persistence that have previously limited use of this species on farm. Despite this, the proportion of lucerne grown on farms has declined since the 1980s. The aim of this project is to reverse the decline by highlighting the importance of lucerne for dryland farming systems. A series of experiments have been established at Ashley Dene, the Lincoln University dryland research farm. Data from these experiments will be used to demonstrate how subterranean and balansa clover can be grown to complement lucerne by providing high-quality forage before lucerne is ready for spring grazing. All data collected will be incorporated into a whole-farm systems model developed at Lincoln University, to examine alternative feed supply strategies and the economic benefits and risks of different management systems for pasture species on dryland farms. Refer to Wool Grower Summer 2001 (issue #12, p. 20): 'Lucerne - the forgotten wonder plant?'
Project leader: Dr Terry Knight Project outline: Increasing lambs born per ewe wintered is one of the most potent ways to increase sheep-farmer income, and many farmers are crossbreeding to Finn or Friesian, or using rams from traditional-breed studs demonstrating superior fecundity. The increased prolificacy of flocks has increased the incidence of bearings (vaginal prolapse) and the loss of lambs from birth to docking. Bearings are mainly found in ewes pregnant with twins or triplets and are a major loss to farmers. In 1999, ewes from bearings-susceptible farms in the southern North Island were taken to a research station that had no history of bearings. Half the ewes had had a bearing the previous season, and the other half were their non-affected flock-mates. Despite very high feeding levels in late pregnancy, none of the flock-mates had a bearing, whereas 25% of the ewes with a previous bearing had a repeat. Subsequent trials on commercial farms with a chronic history of bearings failed to show any beneficial effects of calcium supplements in late pregnancy on the incidence of bearings. Preliminary results of a trial on a research station in 2001 failed to show an increase in bearings from supplementing ewes in mid-late pregnancy with an oestrogenic compound similar to zearalenone. In 2002, trials will be designed to confirm preliminary results arising from an epidemiological study on bearings by Massey University. If there are no clear trends, a trial will be conducted to determine the effect of high post-mating feeding on bearings. Another trial will establish whether the feeding of a 30% bypass protein supplement to ewes pregnant with multiples increases lambs born alive, and lamb survival to docking. The supplements will be fed at four levels in the research station flock so that the minimum requirement for the by-pass protein can be determined. The trial carried out in 2001 on research-station flocks at two locations and on four commercial farms will be repeated in one research flock and another three commercial flocks in 2002. Refer to Wool Grower Autumn 1999 (issue #2, p. 21): 'Bearing down'. ON-FARM PASTURE DRY MATTER PRODUCTION Project leader: Dr Tom Fraser Project outline: Sheep and beef farmers throughout New Zealand are constantly exposed to information from research organisations and seed companies on the pasture growth rates of various new cultivars or different farm management practices. In nearly all cases these trials have been carried out at research centres or in areas far removed from actual farm environments. For farmers to be able to use information on pasture growth rates, they need access to data that applies as closely as possible to their own properties and environmental conditions. There has been much debate on the benefits of sowing new pastures. Much of this information has come from areas removed from actual farm practice. This project will capture actual on-farm data associated with the performance of new pastures. As information is built up from this project it will enable farmers and consultants to predict pasture growth rates from their knowledge of previous data, together with current soil fertility, moisture and temperature. Through this project, sheep and beef farmers will have a better understanding of pasture growth rates during the year and as a result will be better able to plan their farming operations. This will enable them to make early decisions on feed shortages or excesses, and therefore enhance animal production. The project will give an accurate indication of pasture growth rates on a selection of farms throughout New Zealand under different management and environmental conditions. From the data collected, and pasture probe calibrations published, all farmers will be able to obtain accurate predictions of pasture growth rates on their own properties. Refer to Wool Grower Summer 2001 (issue #12, p. 21): 'Making the grass last' - Management is the key. OPTIMISING NATURAL IMMUNITY IN EWES AND LAMBS FOR LOW CHEMICAL-INPUT PARASITE CONTROL Project leader: Prof A Sykes Project outline: The breakdown of immunity and increase in nematode egg output in the ewe around lambing provides a significant source of infective larvae for lambs as their pasture intake increases. Chemical control applied to ewes improves lamb growth rate and reduces ewe bodyweight loss during lactation. The objective of this project is to develop other (non-chemical) methods to control infections in ewes. Indoor studies have shown that the extent of immunity breakdown around lambing is less in ewes exposed to larvae during late pregnancy than in non-exposed ewes (an equivalent comparison to grazing contaminated pasture rather than clean pasture). The effect is short lived and less likely to influence egg output than improved protein nutrition. Using protein supplements, the research team have now succeeded in enhancing immunity during early lactation of ewes grazing contaminated pasture. Mean egg output (eggs/gram fresh faeces, or epg) have been reduced from 1000 epg in unsupplemented to less than 200 epg in supplemented ewes. The next objective is to define the minimum protein requirement, and farm-suitable delivery methods. More detailed studies, in collaboration with Moredun Institute, Edinburgh, are examining the immunological basis for these responses, using gastrointestinal cannulation and biopsy techniques. Refer to Wool Grower Summer 2001 (issue #12, p. 24): 'A small trace element creates one big puzzle' POUKAWA ELITE LAMB Project leader: Dr Paul Muir Project outline: An integrated farmlet study at the Poukawa Research Station is demonstrating the value of ewe and sire genetics within a high-performance lamb production system. The project has also been extended to look at other issues such as use of high energy supplements in early lactation, artificial rearing of surplus lambs, and the use of late lambing to produce heavy lambs in November/December the following year. In recent years the directions taken by sheep breeders, together with importation of new genotypes, has resulted in ewe genotypes with a wide range of traits, e.g. wool production, fecundity, milk production and lamb growth rate. Similarly, a range of terminal sire genetics is available. This project aims to demonstrate what can be achieved by using a range of dam and sire genetics within a high-performance system, and what these genetics mean in terms of sheep farming profitability. To date the Elite Lamb project has established new benchmarks for lamb growth rates on pasture, with individual lamb growth rates exceeding 500 g/d for single lambs and 450 g/d for twin lambs. Fifty sires have been evaluated in a central progeny test for terminal sires, which is providing vital information on between and across flock linkages for SIL. A preliminary study has indicated that when feed covers are below optimum, feeding barley in early lactation may have significant economic benefits over 'doing nothing', and letting pasture covers erode and lamb growth rates suffer. Artificial rearing of surplus lambs has also been undertaken with the aim of applying the principles of once-a-day calf feeding to lambs. Initial findings are that lambs can be fed fortified cow colostrum on a once-a-day basis from two weeks of age, and weaned onto meal at four weeks. At current lamb prices, rearing orphan and surplus lambs appears to be economically viable. Refer to Wool Grower Summer 2000 (issue #8, p. 26): 'Growing elite lambs' - East Friesians give the most promise.
Project leader: Dr Pip Gerard Project outline: Clover root weevil (CRW) is currently found in farmland from Whangarei to south of Te Kuiti and is poised to enter the Taranaki/Manawatu regions and the Hawkes Bay. It will eventually spread throughout the country. When larval numbers are high, severe damage can lead to the loss of clover from pastures. More commonly, clover persists at lower levels and with very few nodules. Without long-term solutions, farm productivity and profitability will decrease throughout all intensive pastoral regions of New Zealand, and negative environmental impacts of nitrogen fertiliser applications will increase. Initially this programme had three research strategies designed to provide farmers with an integrated pest management package for CRW, namely pasture management options, biocontrol, and white clover tolerance. Research on pasture management options has now been completed, and recommendations have been released to farmers through industry media and advisory channels. Excellent progress has been made in the search for an effective biocontrol agent for CRW. Intensive overseas research, in collaboration with European and American researchers, has led to the successful importation of several genotypes of the parasitoid Microtonus aethiopoides into New Zealand quarantine at Lincoln. Current work measuring the efficacy and host range of the parasitic wasps is progressing well. The screening for CRW-tolerant clover is now focused on the most promising lines earlier identified in multi-site field-screening trials. Intensive multi-disciplinary field evaluations of these selected lines are underway at a trial site established at Ruakura in spring 2000. One commercial cultivar and several AgResearch selections are performing well. Lines are being assessed on a range of plant characteristics associated with vigour and agronomic performance, and for attributes that may contribute to superior performance such as resistance/tolerance to nematodes, pathogens and other insect pests. Refer to Wool Grower Autumn 2002 (issue #13, p. 13): 'New wasp to sting clover root weevil' - Researchers find self-breeding female; Spring 2001 (issue # 11, p. 10): 'Wasps, fungi to hit root weevil' - Help is on the way for farmers plagued with clover root weevil. SHEEP CROSSBREEDING Project leader: Dr David Cottle Project outline: The aims of this project are to further develop and extend the use of sheep crossbreeding decision-support software (DSS). Up to this point workshops have been held with all Meat & Wool Innovation sheep production officers to demonstrate the use of the DSS. It predicts the physical and financial performance of any crossbred flock by using collated breed information and genetic theory. Meat & Wool Innovation staff have been trialing copies of CrossSheep V1.0 with farmers. The DSS will be modified where necessary, depending on feedback. Future workshops are planned with farmers. The program is being modified to take into account the effects of feed intake of different breeds and crossbreeds on stocking rate and economic performance. It is being validated with data from a farmer who has undertaken a large structured crossbreeding project. The economic values for skin-related traits will be modified after feedback from meat-processing companies. The confidence interval of predictions of crossbreed performance is being incorporated into the program based on the variance of trait means and heterosis estimates. Version 1.1 of the program will be completed by June 30 2002. SHEEP FOR PROFIT Project leader: Mr Chris Mulvaney Project outline: Sheep for Profit is a project involving 48 sheep farmers and beef farmers from seven regions throughout New Zealand. The leading agribusiness organisations Meat & Wool Innovation, Rabobank, Agricom, Ravensdown, Merial and Alpha Scientific provide specialist advice and knowledge. Objectives: " To demonstrate, over three years, a process to lift sheep farmers
from the early and late majority "average performers" category
into the innovators and early adopters "top performers" category. Sheep for Profit will help each farmer identify opportunities to grow the business using a disciplined approach to collection and use of information. The focus is on identifying and understanding the problems so that management plans can be developed, generating confidence that the changes will be successful. Cobalt, selenium and copper deficiencies have not been found in adult sheep, but cobalt deficiency in lambs has been identified on a few farms. Facial eczema and Haemonchosis have been identified as high-risk factors on many farms in the North Island. Some farmers are now spore-counting for the first time. Toxoplasmosis, Campylobacter and iodine deficiency have been identified on some farms as a risk to lambing performance. A breakdown of mating performance has shown that the highest scanning flocks tended to have a higher scanning index (% scanning/average flock mating weight) but similar mating weights compared to the average of all flocks. The lower 25% group tended to have lower mating weights. Early financial data reinforces the concept that the most profitable farmers also tend to have the highest gross farm income (GFI), farm working expenses (FEW) and debt servicing (DS), but the lowest FEW/FGI and DS/FGI ratios. Many farmers within the project find it difficult to incorporate fertiliser advice and information into their businesses. For some, soil fertility is a major limitation to business growth, yet for a range of reasons they are reluctant to invest in fertiliser. Most farmer have set up a soil fertility monitor system with sampling transects through the different areas of their farms. This should help develop fertiliser plans that differentiate between the maintenance and capital requirements for each area. Refer to Wool Grower Autumn 2002 (issue #13, p. 23): 'Sheep for profit' - Monitoring turns to managing. TANNINS AND EWE PRODUCTION - ON FARM Project leader: Prof Tom Barry Project outline: Lotus corniculatus (birdsfoot trefoil) is being grown on Massey University's Riverside Farm in the Wairarapa, to study the benefits from its condensed tannins under commercial farming conditions. Sheep production and plant productivity are being compared for animals grazing Lotus corniculatus and perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture. The project addresses the industry issue of improved pastures for sheep production, which in this case is improved reproduction in autumn, improved lamb growth in spring, and improved wool growth in both seasons. The project is jointly supervised by Massey University and AgResearch staff. Grazing ewes on lotus during mating increased the reproductive rate by about 20% and wool growth by 8%. Ovulation rates of ewes grazing lotus for 10, 21 and 42 days before ovulation were respectively 1.81, 1.88 and 2.01, compared to 1.75 for pasture-grazed ewes. During spring, twin lambs grew faster on lotus (254 g/d) than on pasture (178 g/d), and weaning weights were greater on lotus in both 2000 (36.3 v 30.3 kg) and in 2001 (32.2 v 24.0). Dag score and fecal egg counts were lower in both ewes and lambs grazing lotus than for their counterparts grazing pasture. Lamb wool production was 20% higher on lotus. Annual rates of dry matter production have been marginally greater for lotus than for pasture, with the main benefit being during late summer/autumn. A study with weaned lambs is planned for the 2002/2003 summer, after which the PhD student will do some whole-farm modelling studies using the data he has collected over two-and-a-half years at Riverside. Refer to Wool Grower Autumn 2002 (issue #13, p. 13): 'More lifts from
lotus'; Summer 2001 (issue #12, p. 23): 'Give them a burst on tannins'
- Tannins. They're good in your red wine, and they're good in feed for
your sheep. But how can you best use them on your farm?; Summer 2000 (issue
#8, p. 15): 'High five!' - Five of the top research projects to make you
money. |
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