In this section:
Lifetime Wool Project
The 'lifetimewool' Project aims to develop ewe management guidelines that allow the allocation of feed resources to breeding Merino ewes to optimise their production and the lifetime performance of their progeny.
Many producers believe it is too costly to maintain ewes weight during pregnancy and instead allow them to lose weight. A recent study has indicated that improving ewe nutrition during pregnancy, either by reducing stocking rates or increasing the amount of supplementary feeding, could significantly increase woolgrower profits. Previous research suggests that by optimally feeding ewes during pregnancy there is an increased likelihood of the ewe producing more wool of a higher quality. In addition, the ultimate benefit is the production of lambs that produce more wool of a lower micron during their entire lifetime. This increased production of finer wool will ultimately lead to an increase in profitability for wool producers over the long term.
These results form the basis for the 'lifetimewool' project. 'Lifetimewool' is a collaborative national project between the State Departments of Agriculture in WA, Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, SARDI and CSIRO funded by Australian wool producers through Australian Wool Innovation Ltd.
The optimum guidelines will be applicable to all wool producers and will vary depending upon environment, production system and commodity prices. Research began with experimental plot-scale work on 'Austral Park', Coleraine, Victoria and 'Billandri', Kendenup, WA. These sites ran for the 2001, 2002 and 2003 seasons, and are the basis for the majority of the information generated to date. Paddock scale research and demonstration sites have been established in Victoria, WA, NSW, SA and Tasmania to generate data across a range of wool growing environments.
In SA, SARDI is conducting the trial on the property of 'Cherrita', managed by Lachie and Doug Stewart at Keilira. In 2004, one thousand Merino ewes were split into 2 equal flocks about 17 days after mating. Using controlled grazing and supplementation, they were managed to try to achieve different liveweight and condition profiles during pregnancy. The consequences of that have been measured in terms of the effect on the ewe’s wool production and subsequent reproductive ability. In addition, the productivity and the reproductive performance of the progeny is being evaluated.
In 2005, the trial is being conducted as an extension of the work undertaken in 2004 with a paired paddock evaluation at 'Cherrita' to demonstrate a 'best bet' option compared to 'normal' practice.
The project will continue until 2008.
For further information contact:
Janelle Hocking Edwards
Katrina Copping
www.lifetimewool.com.au
