Based on your quiz results, we recommend a
Heavy exports Sire
ASBV’s:
- Increased PEMD to maximise carcase shape & return on high protein feed.
- WWT & PWT faster growth
- Choose sires with positive PFAT to compensate the lean merino.
- Watch BWT for spring lambing
Management:
- Watch high protein pastures in pregnant ewes.
- Consider early weaning
- Consider management plan during challenging condition over summer.
Keep scrolling for detailed report!
We have 80+ rams in our 2023 drop that fits your criteria!
Your target
- Sell lambs as a heavy export article in the new year.
- Maximise the return on your high protein feed or stubbles.
- High yielding, well shaped carcases.
You need a sire with
- Since these lambs are in there for the longer game compared to lambs sold as suckers. Growing enough size within the timeframe shouldn’t be a problem, instead focus on carcase yield and shape. PEMD >+2.0 (The higher, the better)
- Combine a high PEMD with high growth for maximum effect WWT >+9 & PWT >+15.0
- Positive fat to compensate for lean merino genetics and increase the lambs do-ability on hard, dry feed.
PFAT > +0.0
- Spring pastures are rich in protein, watch birthweight and manage the pregnant ewes diet in the last trimester to avoid lambing difficulties. BWT <0.35
Consider this
- Carefully manage the pregnant ewes condition in the last trimester. Lush spring feed with increasing protein can cause big lambs at birth. Consider splitting singles/twins and keep singles on lesser pastures to avoid lambs growing too big.
- Early weaning (in a 6 week lambing period, wean 6 weeks after the last lamb is born) – Make your best pasture go further and focus on feeding the lambs – not the ewes. By taking the lambs away from the ewes you also reduce the worm pressure on the lambs drastically.
- Plan and consider how to manage challenging conditions coming in to summer like heat, flies, dust & water quality. Ensure protein is supplied adequately during the change from green feed to hard feed to avoid nutritional stress and stagnated growth.
- If the lambs are to be fed grain from feeders/trail fed during summer. Consider introducing them to grain whilst on the mum. It will save you valuable growing time and can avoid stress and set backs post weaning.
