Adjusting management can increase weaner survival rates

摘要

Mortality rates of more than 10 percent for Merino weaners are common. These deaths result in significant economic losses for many sheep producers. Researchers examined factors contributing to this relatively high mortality rate with a view to devising cost-effective strategies to minimise weaner losses. Sheep producers can more readily achieve the industry target of 95 percent survival from weaning until hogget shearing by having their weaners attain 45% of mature liveweight at pasture senescence rather than the 23 kilogram target more commonly used. The 23kg target is one of several widely accepted industry recommendations considered critical to achieving Merino weaner survival rates of at least 95%.