Key Points

• Hogget mating has high management requirements. It should be attempted only if these requirements can be met
• Ewes that lambed as hoggets have improved lambing performance as 2-tooths and for the rest of their lives
• Breed and/or strain of sheep has a significant impact
• Hoggets should be mated at around 40 kg at a condition score of 3 or better, using 2 rams per 100 hoggets
• Good growth rates after weaning are essential in order to achieve these targets
• Vaccinate hoggets for toxoplasmosis and campylobacter before joining teasers or entire rams
• Aim for growth rates of 80–100 g/day from mating until mid-pregnancy and for a target weight of about 52 kg at lambing.