Optimising ewe reproductive performance in containment areas

Summary

Due to recurring, often successive poor seasons, breeding ewes are increasingly being fed in containment areas before and during pregnancy. Reports on containment-fed ewes show generally ‘normal’ lamb marking rates, but they are variable with anecdotal reports of pregnancy rates < 50% to 95%.

The aim of this project was to identify feeding and other practices that could be managed to optimise ewe reproductive performance in containment areas.

This project has determined that the industry considers the reproductive performance of containment fed ewes to be generally satisfactory. Ewe welfare is improved due to frequent monitoring and performance is anecdotally reported as better than that of ewes losing condition when given inadequate nutrition under poor grazing conditions.

Objectives

The main objectives of this project were to:

• complete a literature review on the management of reproductive performance and optimised feed strategies for pregnant ewes in containment areas
• develop extension and communication materials reflecting guidelines for producers to optimise the feeding and management of breeding ewes in containment areas.

Key findings

This project has determined that the industry considers the reproductive performance of containment fed ewes to be generally satisfactory.

Ewe welfare is improved due to frequent monitoring, and performance is anecdotally reported as better than that of ewes losing condition when given inadequate nutrition under poor grazing conditions. 

MLA has produced updated guidelines for producers to optimise the health and reproductive rates from ewes managed in containment areas. The guidelines highlight recommendations for producers, including:

• ensure adequate shade, water, plus access to feed and safety
• minimum space allowance of 1.4 m²/ewe for heavy sheep and 1.8 m²/ewe for ewes with lambs to meet welfare requirements
• reduce the risk of low lamb marking rates by maintaining adequate condition score of ewes and rams.

Benefits to industry

A series of best practice management recommendations have been identified by this project to ensure satisfactory reproductive performance outcomes for ewes managed in containment areas during pregnancy. The review has also identified a series of research and development gaps and priorities for future evaluation on the issue.

MLA action

A producer guide for managing ewes in containment areas is now published and available to producers via the MLA website. A series of communications and engagement activities have also been completed during and post the project.

Future research

Further research is needed to identify the best feeding practices for breeding ewes in containment. As such, the research gaps identified in this project and their priority ranking in terms of reproductive performance and health are outlined in the project final report.