Crossbred sheep producers are needed for ewe survival research. Image – AuctionsPlus.

CROSSBRED sheep producers in southern New South Wales looking to improve the survival of ewes during lambing are being sought to participate in a research project funded by Meat & Livestock Australia.

The project, ‘Unlocking the key to ewe survival’, is now in its second year and the research team want to collaborate with passionate crossbred sheep producers to find answers to improving ewe survival.

The first year of data on lambing ewes was collected during the 2019 lambing season and preparations are underway for year two of the project.

MLA project manager – sheep research and development, Joe Gebbels, said collaborating with producers was vital in helping researchers explore the major causes of death in non-Merino ewes.

“Reducing ewe mortality during lambing requires an understanding of why ewes die and how management practices influence this,” Mr Gebbels said.

“Lifting ewe survival will improve lamb survival and help improve animal welfare and productivity outcomes for the sheep industry.

“The research team needs participating producers to keep accurate records of ewe deaths and their management practices in the lead up to, and during, lambing,” he said.

“In return, producers will receive access to vets to conduct ewe post-mortems and summary data of the post-mortems done during the project.

“This will give them a head start to improve ewe survival on their properties.”

The project is being led by Livestock Logic, Hamilton, in collaboration with The University of Melbourne, Murdoch University and Macquarie Franklin.

To register interest in being involved in the project contact Mary McQuillan, Livestock Logic, via email: [email protected] or call 0474 770 024. Spaces are limited and registrations close on Thursday, 26 March 2020.

Source: MLA.