scholarly journals The Impact of Hogget and Mature Flock Reproductive Success on Sheep Farm Productivity

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia J. Farrell ◽  
Paul R. Kenyon ◽  
Stephen T. Morris ◽  
Peter R. Tozer
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Simulation Modelling ◽  
Farm Productivity ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Sheep Farm ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Operating Surplus

Breeding hoggets (ewe lambs aged four to 16 months) at 8 to 9 months of age has a number of potential benefits, including increased lamb production and profitability. However, the majority of hoggets in New Zealand are not bred due to producer concerns regarding their variable reproductive success and increased feed demand. Simulation modelling was used to quantify effects of hogget breeding on sheep numbers, lamb production, sheep feed demand, and sheep enterprise cash operating surplus (COS) compared with a flock not breeding hoggets. Hogget weaning rate (HWR) was modelled at 0%, 60%, 80%, and 100% and combined with mature ewe flock weaning rates (FWR) of 132% and 150%, while maintaining total annual sheep feed demand. For each FWR, increased HWR reduced total sheep numbers, increased the proportion of sheep feed demand for lamb production, increased total numbers of lambs weaned, and increased COS. Therefore, achieving even a relatively low HWR of 60% can improve sheep enterprise profitability for a given FWR. However, COS was lower with FWR = 132% and HWR = 100% than with FWR = 150% and HWR = 0%. The results indicate farmers who do not currently breed their hoggets may wish to improve their FWR before considering HWRs.

scholarly journals Determining the Impact of Hogget Breeding Performance on Profitability under a Fixed Feed Supply Scenario in New Zealand

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1303
Author(s):  
Lydia J. Farrell ◽  
Paul R. Kenyon ◽  
Peter R. Tozer ◽  
Stephen T. Morris
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Economic Modelling ◽  
Breeding Performance ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Relative Profit

Hoggets (ewe lambs aged 4 to 16 months) can be bred from approximately 8 months of age for potentially increased flock production and profit, however most New Zealand hoggets are not presented for breeding and their reproductive success is highly variable. Bio-economic modelling was used to analyse flock productivity and profit in four sets of scenarios for ewe flocks with varying mature ewe (FWR) and hogget (HWR) weaning rate combinations. Firstly, hogget breeding was identified to become profitable when break-even HWRs of 26% and 28% were achieved for flocks with FWRs of 135% and 150%, respectively. Secondly, relatively smaller improvements in FWR were identified to increase profit to the same level as larger improvements in HWR. Thirdly, a high performing flock with FWR and HWR both ≥ the 90th percentile currently achieved commercially, was the most profitable flock modelled. Fourthly, a FWR was identified with which a farmer not wishing to breed hoggets could have the same profit as a farmer with a flock achieving current industry average FWR and HWR. Overall, the relative profit levels achieved by the modelled flocks suggest that more farmers should consider breeding their hoggets, though improvements in FWRs should be prioritised.

Factors associated with fetal losses in ewe lambs on a New Zealand sheep farm

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 330-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
AL Ridler ◽  
E Vallee ◽  
RA Corner ◽  
PR Kenyon ◽  
C Heuer
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Sheep Farm

scholarly journals Management of summer feed deficits on three high-performing dairy farms in the Manawatu

1995 ◽  
pp. 9-13
Author(s):  
D.I. Gray ◽  
J.C. Lockhart
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Decision Rules ◽  
Farmer Knowledge ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Impact

New Zealand dairy farmers rely on pasture grazed in situ to feed their herds. Summer is the most difficult period to manage because pasture production is usually highly variable and, in most years, less than herd requirements. Dairy farmers can use a range of options (e.g., summer forage crops, silage) to minimise the impact of both variable and inadequate summer feed supply. Much has been written about recommended procedures for planning and monitoring pasture-based systems, but there is little documentation on the processes actually used by New Zealand dairy farmers. To this end the summer management processes of three high-performing Manawatu seasonal supply dairy farmers were studied over 4 years. The farmers used management systems based on their experience. A range of simple techniques was used to identify potential feed deficits. The farmers then used a set of decision rules to select the best option or combination of options to overcome feed deficits. The study highlighted the potential benefits that could accrue from integrating farmer knowledge with scientific knowledge. Keywords: dairy farmers, decision-making, farmer knowledge, monitoring, summer management

scholarly journals Potential profit gains from improving pasture productivity on New Zealand South Island high-country farms

2020 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
pp. 183-189
Author(s):  
Charles A. Morrison ◽  
Victoria C.F. Westbrooke ◽  
Jim L. Moir
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Environmental Aspects ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Farm Productivity ◽  
Systems Model ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Lime Application ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Impact

Soil acidity combined with low levels of key nutrients on New Zealand hill-country farms are limiting factors for legume establishment/growth. However, legumes are a critical component of these farms as they provide nitrogen and high-quality feed. A farm-systems model was developed to estimate the impact of targeted fertiliser and lime application, combined with sowing clover, on whole-farm productivity and profitability. A base model was developed that incorporated 17 years’ worth of Beef + Lamb NZ survey data for Class 1: South Island Farms. This base model was then used investigate two lime-application/oversowing models where part of the modelled high-country farm was targeted for improvement: (1) Conservative, i.e. 0.6% farm area; and (2)  Aggressive, i.e. 2.8% farm area. Three scenarios to utilise the additional pasture grown were then investigated for each model by: (a) increasing ewe numbers; (b) increasing ewe performance (lambing percentage); and (c) increasing liveweight gain of stock. Scenario 2a, generated the highest profitability level (Earnings before Interest Tax and Rent, EBITR $58,870) above the base model but became less financially attractive when the two years required to build the maternal ewe flock were factored in. Scenarios 2c and 1b generated increases in profitability (EBITR) between $33,310 and $41,290 above the base model. Variation in product prices, production levels and time to develop the final farm-management system would also influence the productivity and profitability of the scenarios. Environmental aspects, infrastructure and staff availability would affect the suitability of the development for individual farming businesses. 

scholarly journals Lucerne for high quality summer feed in North Island hill country

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 169-174
Author(s):  
A.W. Mcgowan ◽  
G.W. Sheath ◽  
R.W. Webby
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Annual Basis ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Summer Growth

It is common to have a shortage of high quality summer feed on hill country farms in New Zealand, due to a deterioration of pasture growth during the drier months. Lucerne produces high quality feed during summer on lowland fields; however, its potential in hill country is unknown. This study measured the persistence of lucerne and evaluated its seasonal production relative to pasture. These results were then modelled for a typical sheep and beef farm to assess the potential benefits of including lucerne on the farm. Monthly growth rates of lucerne (six cultivars) and pasture were measured pregrazing, and lucerne viability was assessed at the end of the five-year study. Lucerne was successfully established and maintained on hill country for five years. On average, the total annual production of lucerne and pasture were similar, with only the highest yielding cultivar 'Rere' consistently outproducing pasture on an annual basis. Lower spring production of lucerne was compensated for by higher summer growth rates of 62 kg DM/ha/day, compared with 34 kg DM/ha/day for pasture. The extra summer feed from lucerne enabled a model farm that included 12.5% lucerne to carry more animals and produce lambs of heavier slaughter weight than on a pasture only basis. This gave a predicted increase in the gross margin of 3%. The impact of lucerne on other farms must be modelled individually to establish the best system to utilise the additional high quality summer feed. Key words: lucerne, modelling, quality summer feed

White clover sensitivity to UV-B radiation - biochemical relationships and interaction with drought

2003 ◽  
pp. 273-277
Author(s):  
R.W. Hofmann ◽  
B.D. Campbell ◽  
E.E. Swinny ◽  
S.J. Bloor ◽  
K.R. Markham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Ultraviolet B ◽  
Summer Drought ◽  
Stress Protection ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Population Comparisons ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Quercetin Glycosides ◽  
Balance Trade

During summertime in New Zealand, white clover experiences high levels of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. This frequently coincides with periods of summer drought. We investigated responses to UV-B and to the combination of UV-B and drought in various white clover populations, including New Zealand cultivars and ecotypes as well as overseas germplasm. The results were obtained under controlled environmental conditions in three independent trials. Overall, white clover growth was reduced by UV-B. The population comparisons indicated that low growth rate and adaptation to other forms of stress may be related to UV-B tolerance under well-watered conditions, but not during extended periods of drought. Flavonoid pigments that are involved in stress protection were strongly increased under UV-B and were further enhanced in the combination of UV-B and drought. The responses among these flavonoids were highly specific, with more pronounced UV-B-induced increases in quercetin glycosides, compared to their closely related kaempferol counterparts. UV-B toler ance of the less productive white clover populations was linked to the accumulation of quercetin compounds. In conclusion, these studies suggest (i) that slow-growing white clover ecotypes adapted to other stresses have higher capacity for biochemical acclimation to UV-B under well-watered conditions and (ii) that these biochemical attributes may also contribute to decreased UV-B sensitivity across white clover populations under drought. The findings alert plant breeders to potential benefits of selecting productive germplasm for high levels of specific flavonoids to balance trade-offs between plant productivity and stress tolerance. Keywords: Drought, flavonoids, genetic variation, HPLC, kaempferol, quercetin, str ess, Trifolium repens L., ultraviolet-B, white clover

Kalahari Cheetahs

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gus Mills ◽  
Margaret Mills
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Arid Ecosystems ◽  
Foraging Success ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Hunting Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

This book demonstrates how cheetahs are adapted to arid savannahs like the southern Kalahari, and makes comparisons with other areas, especially the Serengeti. Topics dealt with are: demography and genetic status; feeding ecology, i.e. methods used for studying diet, diets of different demographic groups, individual diet specializations of females, prey selection, the impact of cheetah predation on prey populations, activity regimes and distances travelled per day, hunting behaviour, foraging success and energetics; interspecific competition; spatial ecology; reproductive success and the mating system; and conservation. The major findings show that cheetahs are well adapted to arid ecosystems and are water independent. Cheetah density in the study area was stable at 0.7/100 km2 and the population was genetically diverse. Important prey were steenbok and springbok for females with cubs, gemsbok, and adult ostrich for coalition males, and steenbok, springhares, and hares for single animals. Cheetahs had a density-dependent regulatory effect on steenbok and springbok populations. Females with large cubs had the highest overall food intake. Cheetahs, especially males, were often active at night, and competition with other large carnivores, both by exploitation and interference, was slight. Although predation on small cubs was severe, cub survival to adolescence was six times higher than in the Serengeti. There was no difference in reproductive success between single and coalition males. The conservation priority for cheetahs should be to maintain protected areas over a spectrum of landscapes to allow ecological processes, of which the cheetah is an integral part, to proceed unhindered.

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