ON FARM NATIONAL Supplements for survival Arange of dietary additives particularly targeted at finding dietary was the first time these products showing potential to improve supplement options for twin-bearing had been tested on sheep in such a the survival of newborn ewes in the second half of gestation, comprehensive way, but many were animals when supplied in-utero are but would also apply to ewes carrying being investigated for their benefits undergoing the first comprehensive a single foetus. to human babies and pigs. trials in sheep in Australia. The project is led by the South “We’ll be feeding a range of compounds The MLA project aims to identify Australian Research and Development to ewes in late pregnancy initially, and compounds with the biggest potential Institute (SARDI) in collaboration with tracking physiological responses that to boost a lamb’s ability to survive and the University of Adelaide. suggest enhancement of survival and thrive in late pregnancy and the days Phase one started this year at SARDI’s weaning rates of lambs,” Dave said. immediately after birth. Turretfield Research Centre, where a “The most promising products will then The ‘New approaches to increase the team of sheep reproductive biology be tested in field trials across SARDI’s weaning rate of the national sheep flock’experts is testing a range of the most research stations in South Australia initiative is one of 12 on-farm research,promising dietary and biomedical and then, if successful, in commercial development and adoption projects compounds for increasing energy paddocks in collaboration with four to receive MLA investment in 2017–18, stores in foetal lambs and/or reducing farming systems groups in South instigated through the organisation’s the risks of damage from any oxygen Australia and two in Western Australia.” regional consultation process. deprivation during the birth process. MLA Project Manager – Sheep R&D, SARDI’s research scientists Dr Dave Joe Gebbels Joe Gebbels, said the research was Kleemann and Dr Jen Kelly said it E: jgebbels@mla.com.au Pain relief Applied as a gel and available fromrural resellers, Tri-Solfen® wasLearn online productionoriginally registered for relief for Check out MLA’s YouTube sheep post-mulesing. In 2016 it was channel for three new extension registered for use in cattle at castration. additions to the series of The RSPCA released a statement Sheep Productivity and saying it welcomed the news. Profitability webinars Producers can now use the animal pain relief product “When painful procedures are Topics covered in the new Tri-Solfen® to improve animal necessary on farm, pain relief should webinars are: welfare outcomes during always be provided, so the news of • The Lifetime Maternal Ewe dehorning and disbudding further uses for Tri-Solfen® means project. This webinar explains the more options are now widely available findings of research to establish procedures in cattle. for farmers,” the statement said. condition score systems for Tri-Solfen® is a pain relieving and maternal sheep breeds, building wound healing formulation and on the Merino-based system of costs between about $1 and $1.50 the original Lifetime Ewe program. to treat each animal. It is described • Nitrogen and gibberellic acid – as best suited to calves aged six to the principles, production and eight weeks and provides pain relief profits for prime lambs. Learn for 24 to 36 hours. how to boost production with these proven nutrients. Get to know the Australian • To lime or not to lime? This Animal Welfare Guidelines and webinar explains how to make Standards at: data-based decisions on liming animalwelfarestandards.net.au programs for pasture. Learn more about good animal welfare Find the Go to futurebeef.com.au and webinars at download A guide to best practice youtube.com/ husbandry in beef cattle: branding, user/meatand castrating and dehorning. livestock/videos 17