Comparison of wool production and reproductive rate of South Australian strain Merinos and locally bred Peppin Merinos in the semi-arid tropics of Queensland

1991 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 737
Author(s):  
SJ Eady ◽  
PK O'Rourke ◽  
PT Connelly
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Reproduction Rate ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
The Face ◽  
Consistent Increase ◽  
Reproductive Rates ◽  
Different Strains ◽  
The Impact

Three experiments were conducted to provide information on the wool production and reproductive rates of different strains of Merino sheep, and on the role of heat tolerance in determining the productivity of sheep in north-western Queensland. The locally bred Peppin Merinos had a significantly (P<0.05) lower rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR) under heat load than the South Australian (SA) strain Merinos. Place of birth of SA Merinos had no effect on their RT and RR. At 16 months of age the Peppin sheep produced significantly (P<0.05) less clean wool (1.55 v. 1.82 kg) and had significantly (P<0.05) lower liveweights (28.5 v. 31.6 kg) than the SA group reared in the same environment. Although differences between the groups were not always statistically significant, there was a trend for a consistent increase in wool production, fibre diameter and liveweight as the proportion of SA in the cross increased. The impact of these differences on proceeds from wool sales is discussed. At maturity the SA strain ewes were heavier (P<0.05) than their Peppin counterparts (48.4 v. 44.1 kg) and produced heavier (P<0.05) lambs at 6 weeks of age (7.0 v. 6.2 kg) and at weaning (13.9 v. 12.5 kg). Milk yield at 6 weeks post-lambing was significantly (P<0.05) greater for the SA sheep than the Peppin Merinos (303 v. 216 mL/day). Lamb survival from 6 weeks to 3 months was 64% for the SA Merinos and 45% for the Peppin Merinos, but this difference was not statistically significant. The SA strain Merinos produced more clean wool and heavier offspring than locally bred Peppin sheep and demonstrated a similar reproduction rate in the face of severe drought conditions.

Ewe culling and retention strategies to increase reproductive rates in Merino sheep

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (8) ◽  
pp. 1545 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Hatcher ◽  
S. Dominik ◽  
J. S. Richards ◽  
J. Young ◽  
J. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Retention Strategies ◽  
Marginal Benefit ◽  
Selection Strategies ◽  
Single Strategy ◽  
Scan Data ◽  
Reproductive Rates ◽  
Breeding Efficiency ◽  
The Impact

The present empirical study of data from three Merino resource flocks of varying genetic backgrounds run in different environments investigated the impact of various selection strategies aimed at culling poor performers (‘passengers’) or retaining good doers (‘performers’) longer, or both, on the flock reproductive performance. Four strategies were investigated and applied either individually or in combination, to quantify their impact on the litter size, rearing type and breeding efficiency (number of lambs weaned per ewe per year) of the whole flock. The main benefit from implementing any of the strategies was a decrease in the proportion of dry ewes in each flock (1–7%). There was little difference between the single strategies of culling twice-dry ewes or culling ewes that twice lambed and lost their lambs. When retaining a cohort of older ewes, it was more efficient to select these on the basis of their lifetime reproductive performance. There was only a marginal benefit gained by combining strategies and, in some cases, a single strategy was still better in terms of breeding efficiency. Commercial producers can improve the reproductive rate of these flocks by culling twice-dry ewes on the basis of their pregnancy scan data.

scholarly journals Hunting to extinction: biology and regional economy influence extinction risk and the impact of hunting in artiodactyls

2007 ◽  
Vol 274 (1620) ◽  
pp. 1845-1851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha A Price ◽  
John L Gittleman
Keyword(s):  
Regional Economy ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Multivariate Model ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Threatening Processes ◽  
Reproductive Rates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

Half of all artiodactyls (even-toed hoofed mammals) are threatened with extinction, around double the mammalian average. Here, using a complete species-level phylogeny, we construct a multivariate model to assess for the first time which intrinsic (biological) and extrinsic (anthropogenic and environmental) factors influence variation in extinction risk in artiodactyls. Globally artiodactyls at greatest risk live in economically less developed areas, have older weaning ages and smaller geographical ranges. Our findings suggest that identifying predictors of threat is complicated by interactions between both biological and anthropogenic factors, resulting in differential responses to threatening processes. Artiodactyl species that experience unregulated hunting live in significantly less economically developed areas than those that are not hunted; however, hunted species are more susceptible to extinction if they have slower reproductive rates (older weaning ages). In contrast, risk in non-hunted artiodactyls is unrelated to reproductive rate and more closely associated with the economic development of the region in which they live.

scholarly journals The wool production and reproduction of Merino ewes can be predicted from changes in liveweight during pregnancy and lactation

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 763 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. Ferguson ◽  
A. N. Thompson ◽  
D. J. Gordon ◽  
M. W. Hyder ◽  
G. A. Kearney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Breeding Cycle ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Influence Of Food ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Fleece Weight

Defining the nature of the relationship between change in liveweight throughout a breeding cycle and ewe wool production and reproduction would be useful for developing management guidelines for Merino ewes. In this paper we tested the hypotheses that (1) feed on offer has variable effects on liveweight profiles of individual ewes; and (2) liveweight profiles of individual ewes can be used to predict their fleece wool production and reproductive performance. At sites in Victoria and Western Australia in 2001 and 2002, pregnant Merino ewes were exposed to 10 nutritional treatments. In each of the four experiments, ewes in average condition score 3 at artificial insemination were fed to achieve either maintenance or loss of a condition score over the first 100 days of pregnancy before grazing one of five levels of feed on offer between Day 100 and lamb weaning. Across all four experiments, the average difference in ewe liveweight between extreme treatments was: 7.0 kg (range 4.7–8.7 kg) at Day 100 of pregnancy; 11.9 kg (range 4.9–17.8 kg) at lambing; and by weaning was 13.9 kg (range 8.8–22.7 kg). Liveweight at joining and liveweight change during pregnancy and lactation of individual Merino ewes were significantly related to their clean fleece weight, fibre diameter and staple length and thus the second hypothesis was supported. Heavier ewes at joining produced more wool that was longer and broader and this effect was consistent across both sites and years. A 10-kg loss in ewe liveweight between joining and mid pregnancy, mid pregnancy and lambing or during lactation reduced clean fleece weight by 0.4–0.7 kg and fibre diameter by 0.5–1.4 um. At the Victorian site, where ewes were shorn in summer, a loss of 10 kg in liveweight between joining and Day 100 of pregnancy reduced staple strength by 5 N/ktex. As expected the influence of food on offer on changes in ewe liveweight was different between years and sites and between late pregnancy and lactation due to a complex group of pasture and animal factors. Therefore, managing changes in ewe liveweight itself rather than feed on offer will achieve more predictable outcomes. A higher liveweight at joining resulted in a predictable improvement in ewe reproductive rate and liveweight at joining was more important than the liveweight profile leading up to joining. This paper has shown that it is possible to predict the differences in wool production and reproductive rate of flocks of Merino ewes if ewe liveweight records at key times are known.

The impact of rabbits on a grazing system in eastern New South Wales. 2. Sheep production

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 917 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. S. Fleming ◽  
J. D. Croft ◽  
H. I. Nicol
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
The Body ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Short Term Experiment ◽  
The Impact

Much research, time and money have been invested in the control of rabbits in Australia, yet the relationship between rabbit density and livestock production losses has not been quantified. We experimentally investigated the variations in sheep production parameters caused by 4 densities of rabbits, 0, 24, 48 and 72 rabbits/ha. Medium to strong wool merino wethers were run at a constant stocking rate in replicated plots with rabbits at 4� different densities. Sheep liveweight and body condition and wool production variables were measured over 3�years. Low to medium densities of rabbits were not found to reduce liveweights of wethers, whereas wethers run with the high density of rabbits were significantly lighter. The presence of rabbits reduced the body condition of sympatric sheep with the lowest body condition recorded at the high rabbit density. Mean greasy fleece weights, wool yields and clean-fleece weights were significantly different between densities of rabbits. Wethers run with the high rabbit density grew less wool than the wethers run with the other 3 densities of rabbits. The cumulative gross return per ha from wool production was highest for the medium rabbit density and lowest at high rabbit density. At the conclusion of this short-term experiment, the presence of some rabbits enhanced returns from wool production because of lower fibre diameter and comparable clean-fleece weights of fleeces grown at low and medium rabbit densities. These production characteristics might have been caused by synergistic effects on pasture growth or a sheep stocking rate that was too conservative for the prevailing seasonal conditions. At high rabbit density, competition for pasture between rabbits and sheep overrode possible synergistic and understocking effects. The economic implications of the presence of rabbits on merino sheep production are discussed.

Lupinosis and reproduction reduce the wool growth of Merino ewes

1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Barnes ◽  
K. P. Croker ◽  
J. G. Allen ◽  
N. D. Costa
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase ◽  
Subcutaneous Injections ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Weight Yield ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Glutamyl Transferase ◽  
The Impact

Summary. Lupinosis was induced in Merino ewes by subcutaneous injections of phomopsins. Liver damage and impairment of liver function was measured by increases in plasma activities of glutamate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase, plasma concentrations of bilirubin, and plasma clearance of bromosulfthalein. The wool growth of the ewes during and after exposure to phomopsins at different periods relative to mating was measured, and the impact of lupinosis on annual wool production assessed. Phomopsin administration decreased the length of staple grown during, and for at least 6 weeks after, exposure to phomopsins. Mean fibre diameter of wool grown during this time was also reduced. Annual wool production of the ewes was affected by exposure to phomopsins, with effects noted on fleece weight, yield, fibre diameter, strength and position of break. These effects were minor and varied between experiments. The adverse effects of reproduction on annual wool production were more significant than those of phomopsins.

scholarly journals On-farm paddock-scale comparisons across southern Australia confirm that increasing the nutrition of Merino ewes improves their production and the lifetime performance of their progeny

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 805 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Behrendt ◽  
A. J. van Burgel ◽  
A. Bailey ◽  
P. Barber ◽  
M. Curnow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Fat Score ◽  
Progeny Performance

Experiments conducted by Lifetimewool at plot-scale have shown that differences in the maternal liveweight during pregnancy and lactation (liveweight profiles) of individual Merino ewes influences their wool production and reproductive rate as well as the birthweight, survival, weaning weight and lifetime wool production of their lambs in a predictable manner. This study determined whether these impacts of nutrition of the ewe on ewe and progeny performance are measurable on commercial properties across southern Australia at a paddock-scale where ewes were aggregated into flocks with a greater spread of the date of conception and where the liveweight profile of the flocks were managed based on random samples of 100 ewes and liveweight was uncorrected for fleece weight or conceptus. Eighteen paddock-scale experiments at 15 sites were conducted in cooperation with wool producers across Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania. Each co-operator joined up to 1000 mixed aged adult Merino ewes. The flock was scanned using ultrasound at Day 50 from the start of joining to identify those ewes that conceived during the first 21 days of joining. These ewes were then split at random into two treatments and fed to achieve a target difference in liveweight of 10 kg or ~1 condition score/fat score at lambing. The production of ewes during their year of pregnancy and following their next joining was measured as was the performance of their progeny up to their third shearing. Only the 13 paddock-scale experiments that achieved a difference in liveweight profile at lambing of at least 4 kg were included in the final analysis. In these 13 experiments, increasing the nutrition of Merino ewes during pregnancy clearly increased the clean fleece weight and fibre diameter in ewes and the survival and lifetime wool production of their lambs. In most cases the size of the effect was not significantly different to that predicted by the relationship derived using individual liveweight profiles in the plot-scale experiments. This confirms that managing average ewe liveweight or condition score/fat score profile through better nutrition will lead to predictable increases in the performance of ewes and their progeny performance under commercial conditions and validates the use of the plot-scale relationships in economic analyses.

Particularities of the independent auditor's report on reliability of accounting (financial) statements for 2019: COVID-19 as qualitatively essential information (Part 2)

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 777-799
Author(s):  
O.I. Shvyreva ◽  
Z.I. Kruglyak ◽  
A.V. Petukh
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Economic Situation ◽  
Risk Disclosure ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Logical Method ◽  
Annual Reporting ◽  
The Face ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
The Impact

Subject. This article discusses the issues related to the practice of financial reporting in the face of uncertainties caused by the coronavirus contagion, as well as the specifics of the audit strategy and formation of an audit opinion on this reporting. Objectives. The article aims to identify the quality characteristics of financial reporting prepared in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and justify the key aspects of assurance engagement completion in an extremely uncertain epidemiological and economic situation. Methods. For the study, we used an abstract-logical method, content analysis techniques, systematization, and classification. Results. Analyzing the impact of the extremely uncertain epidemiological and economic situation on financial statements, the article clarifies aspects of disclosure of events after the reporting date and threats to business continuity in the annual reporting of economic entities. The article identifies possible alternative procedures and algorithms to obtain proper evidence when it is insufficient in the face of the inability to meet certain audit standards requirements in a remote audit environment. The article defines the impact of COVID-19 risk disclosure on the structure of the audit report and opinion. Relevance. The results of the study can be used in the practical activities of economic entities that prepare financial statements in the face of significant uncertainty, as well as auditors and audit organizations.

Safe development of business and national economy in the face of a pandemic and global recession

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1182-1198
Author(s):  
I.V. Vyakina
Keyword(s):  
Economic Security ◽  
Global Recession ◽  
Graphical Visualization ◽  
National Economic ◽  
Business Support ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Business Entities ◽  
Visualization Techniques ◽  
The Impact

Subject. This article deals with the issues related to the national economic security of the State in today's conditions. Objectives. The article aims to develop a set of special measures for additional business support to reduce the impact of restrictions imposed against the background of quarantine and the pandemic spread, and which would help prevent collapse of business entities. Methods. For the study, I used the methods of theoretical, systems, logical, and comparative analyses, and tabular and graphical visualization techniques. Results. The article proposes possible measures to support business aimed at reducing the costs of business entities due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic, that complement and explain the activities proposed by the President and Government of the Russian Federation, taking into account the regional and municipal levels. Conclusions. The uncertain current situation requires constant adjustment and adaptation of public policy in accordance with specific circumstances. Ensuring the country's economic security and sustainability associates with creation of a business organization system that connects public administration tools and business support and development opportunities under the changed environment.

The Impact of Terrorism on Construction Industry in Iraq

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-84
Author(s):  
Wadhah Amer Hatem ◽  
Samiaah M. Hassen Al-Tmeemy
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Historical Data ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Statistical Procedures ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Suicide Attacks ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Impact

     Suicide attacks, bombings, explosions became the part of daily life in Iraq. Consequently, the threat of terrorism put the Iraqi construction sector in the face of unique and unusual challenges that not seen on other countries. These challenges can have extensive impact on construction projects. This paper seeks to examine the impact of the terrorist attacks on construction industry and determine the extent to which the impact of terrorism on construction projects in terms of cost, schedule, and quality. This study adapted quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data using questionnaire survey and interviews, as well as historical data. The study focused on projects that have been the target of terrorist strikes in Diyala governorate. A variety of statistical procedures were employed in data analysis. The results revealed the extent to which terrorist attacks impact construction projects in terms of cost, time, and quality. The results of this study will enhance the awareness of all construction parties to the impact of the terrorist attacks against construction projects. Eventually, this can develop a risk management assessment and assist contractors to properly protect projects and buildings to minimize injuries and fatalities in the event of terrorism.

Impact of Chatbot in Transforming the Face of Retailing- An Empirical Model of Antecedents and Outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumari Anshu ◽  
Loveleen Gaur ◽  
Arun Solanki
Keyword(s):  
Research Work ◽  
Shopping Behavior ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Shopping Experience ◽  
The Face ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
Different Characteristics ◽  
Work Done ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Chatbot has emerged as a significant resolution to the swiftly growing customer caredemands in recent times. Chatbot has emerged as one of the biggest technological disruption. Simply speaking, it is a software agent facilitating interaction between computers and humans in natural language. So basically, it is a simulated, intellectual dialogue agent functional in a range of consumer engagement circumstances. It is the easiest and simplest means enable interaction between the retailers and the customers. </p><p> • Purpose- Most of the research work done in this field is concerned with their technical aspects. The recent research on chatbot pay little attention to the impact it is creating on users’ experience. Through this work, author is making an effort to know the customer-oriented impact that the chatbot bear on the shoppers. The purpose of this study is to develop and empirically test a framework that identify the customer oriented attributes of chatbot and impact of these attributes on customers. </p><p> • Objectives- The study intends to bridge the gap between concepts and actual attributes and applications on the subject of Chatbot. The following research objectives can address the various aspects of Chatbot affecting the different characteristics of consumers shopping behaviors: a) Identify the various attributes of chatbot that bears an impression on consumer shopping behavior. b) Evaluate the impact of chatbot on consumer shopping behavior that leads to the development of chatbot usage and adoption among the customer. </p><p> • Design/Methodology/Approach – For the purpose of analysis, author has administered Factor analysis and Multiple regression using SPSS version 23 for identification of various attributes of Chatbot and knowing their impact on shoppers. A self-administered questionnaire from the review of literature is developed. Industry experts in the field of retailing and academician evaluate the questionnaire. Primary information from the respondents is gathered using this questionnaire. The questionnaire comprises of Likert scale on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 stands for strongly disagree and 5 stands for strongly agree. Data is collected from 126 respondents, out of which 111 respondents were finally considered for study and analysis purpose. </p><p> • Findings – The empirical results show that the study identifies various attributes of chatbot like Trust, Usefulness, Satisfaction, Readiness to Use and Accessibility. It is also found that chatbot is really influencing the customers in providing them with shopping experience, which can be very helpful to the businesses for increasing the sales and creating repurchase intention among the customers. </p><p> • Originality/value – The recent research on chatbot pay little attention to the impact it is creating on customers who are actually interacting with it on regular basis. The research paper extends information for understanding and appreciating the customer oriented attributes of artificially intelligent Chatbot. In this regard, the author has developed a model framework and proposed the attributes identified. Through the work, author is also making an effort to test empirically the impact of the identified attributes on the shoppers.

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