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 EMD 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 and fat ewes run higher risk of prolapse. Consider splitting singles/twins and keep singles on lesser pastures to avoid lambs growing to big.
- Early weaning (in a 6 weeks 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 inducing them to grain whilst on the mum. It will save you valuable growing time and can avoid stress and set backs post weaning.
