2. Mating MERINO EWE LAMBS Ben Duxson Glendemar

3. Background  20 Years of pedigree data  MERINOSELECT, since inception  5 years EID system  Now, genomics  This year, TGRM matings  12 years of trial and error, in ewe lamb joining’s  Involved in several trials

4. Why bother?  Decrease the average age of the flock  More high value sales stock – lambs and breeding ewes  Early detection of ewes that are more fertile – sire, dam & progeny  Ramp up genetic gain

5. A tactical decision  Not for everyone  Don’t attempt to mate Merino ewe lambs if: – You are getting low % in adults – fix that first – Weaners are light (tough season) – You don’t have an economical way to feed them (lucerne, cheap grain etc)  But it is an opportunity to capitalise on good seasons and prices  Requires precision management

6. Keys to success  Like everything in sheep it comes down to 3 things: Feeding Breeding Management  Get these things right and it works  Cost effective and simple

7. Feeding for success  Get the simple things right: Manage all ewes to LTEM guidelines Manage lambs using HPW guidelines Weight is critical Above average for fat (Merino’s)

8. Feeding for success The heavier they are the better they go

9. Breeding for success  Must use responsive genetics Naturally reproductive High post-wean weight ASBVs High fat & high muscle Moderate fleece weight Low wrinkle

10. Breeding for success

11. YFAT = +1mm YFAT = -1mm

12. WEIGHTYWTYFATYEMD TWINS43.98.30.71.7 SINGLES41.37.20.71.6 LOST40.96.90.61.5 EMPTY40.66.90.21.1 Source, Glendemar Data 2011, 935 ewes Breeding for success

13. Following Year Lambed at 14 months Didn’t Lamb SINGLES58%56% TWINS31%35% DRY11%8% Source: Glendemar Data 2012 Scanning Manage for success

14.  Wean lambs early  Have flexible management systems  Find simple & cost effective systems  Combine breeding & feeding

15. Things we are still investigating  Which sires/dams do it consistently  What happens for the rest of the ewes life?  What is the production of lambs born from lambs?  Changes in weight while mating  Economic cost/benefit