Genetics

Sheep breeder hosts sought for new round of Bred Well Fed Well workshops

Sheep Central, May 2, 2016
MLA's Dr Katrina Weatherley

MLA’s Dr Katrina Weatherley

SHEEP breeders willing to host an on-farm Bred Well Fed Well workshop are being sought by Meat and Livestock Australia.

The practical, one-day BWFW workshops are funded by MLA to help sheep producers combine genetics decision-making with ewe nutrition management to boost reproduction rates and productivity.

MLA’s general manager livestock productivity, Dr Jane Weatherley, is encouraging breeders using Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) to volunteer to host an on-farm workshop.

The popular BWFW workshops are held before this year’s spring ram sales to give producers additional knowledge, skills and tools to determine the traits they need to improve the productivity and profitability of their flocks.

“The workshops can help prospective clients to understand how ASBV technology can help refine their ram buying decisions.

“This helps them set breeding objectives and helps to ensure they’re getting the best rams to meet those objectives,” Dr Weatherley said.

The workshops also focus on nutrition for ewes, including its impact on reproductive performance and flock profitability, and equipping participants with skills such as condition scoring and how to do a simple energy budget for their ewe flock.

The BWFW program is targeted at all sheep breeds and all sheep production regions of Australia.

Dr Weatherley said the workshops have been highly successful, with all participants saying they would recommend it to other producers.

“Bred Well Fed Well commenced in 2011 and almost 3500 producers have taken part.

“Many participants felt the workshops had improved their understanding of ASBVs in ram selection and the importance of sheep nutrition,” she said.

“There are many benefits for breeders in hosting a workshop.

“Helping other producers understand ASBVs and how to select for traits ultimately boosts on-farm profitability and productivity, which benefits all sectors of the value chain.”

For more information about hosting a workshop contact Bred Well Fed Well co-ordinator Serina Hancock at [email protected] or phone 0403 570 823.

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