Abstract

Ewe lamb breeding at 7 to 8 months of age in extensive production systems, such as utilised in New Zealand, has a number of advantages including higher net profit from lamb production, improved utilisation of spring herbage, improved ewe lifetime performance and improved reproductive rate throughout the flock (Kenyon et al. 2012). However, in comparison to mature ewes there are limitations to ewe lamb breeding which include a lower lambing percentage, lower lamb birth weight  and lower lamb survival (Annett & Carson 2006; Kenyon 2012).

RA, Corner, HT Blair, ST Morris, and PR Kenyon

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 73, Hamilton, 76-78, 2013