ON FARM SHEEP REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY How to optimise ewe performance in containment Producers have new “Shy feeders are an issue in any guidelinesto help optimise containment situation, so make sure you RESEARCH IN the health and reproductive monitor regularly and remove them.” REVIEW performance of ewes Filling the gaps during containment feeding, while As well as developing management PROJECT NAME also minimising costs. guidelines, Dr Robertson said the Optimising ewe reproductive project aimed to identify knowledge performance in containment areas Dr Susan Robertson of CSU Wagga gaps. One of the key findings was that Wagga, who led the MLA‑supported RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS project, said containment feeding ewes ewe reproduction in containment has Graham Centre for Agricultural allows producers to hold on to valuable not been well‑researched. Innovation (CSU Wagga Wagga breeding stock during periods of She said producers’ and consultants’ and NSW Department of inadequate pasture. observations are that generally, Primary Industries) While the results of the practice are reproductive rates are not reduced FUNDING ORGANISATIONS generally good, she said producers often in containment. MLA receive conflicting advice about the best“However, we know there’s a large GOAL way to manage ewes in containment, range in performance. I’ve heard of Evaluate the scientific literature which can result in poor performance. pregnancy rates in containment ranging to provide evidence‑based “Te aim of this project was toh from less than 50%, up to 97%. guidelines for producers to examine the research and provide “Research is needed to identify best manage ewe reproduction evidence‑based guidelines to manage practices and help reduce risks.” and health when containment ewe reproduction and health in fed, and identify any gaps containment, so producers can avoid MLA will continue to research on‑farm in knowledge. unnecessary costs and reduce the risk feeding systems through specific DURATION of apoor result,” Dr Robertson said. programs, while the recently established April–June 2020 Sheep Reproduction Strategic Best practice management Partnership will focus more broadly on KEY FINDINGS TO DATE DrRobertson said containment feeding improving ewe and lamb survival. ■ • There is limited information ewes is no different to any other available about which practices livestock containment or lot feeding Dr Susan Robertson improve reproduction. program – a successful approach starts E: surobertson@csu.edu.au • Acidosis, pregnancy toxaemia with site selection, pen design and Look out for the new containment and shy feeding need to be good water. feeding guidelines on MLA’s carefully managed. After that, other considerations to website later this year: mla.com.au • Ewes must be monitored for optimise reproduction rates are: NSW Department of Primary condition and health. • animal health Industries resources: • More research is needed to dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals‑and‑ determine optimal mob size and • feed management of ewes and rams feeding methods. livestock/sheep/feed‑nutrition • ram percentages and • condition score. “The main health issues for containment‑fed ewes are acidosis due to eating a grain‑based diet, pregnancy toxaemia and shy feeders,” Dr Robertson said. “Managing acidosis means introducing new feed sources gradually. Roughage is also critical. “Avoiding pregnancy toxaemia requires feeding to maintenance requirements and avoiding time off feed during late pregnancy. This includes when releasing ewes from containment. 14