|
|
|
Prime season for lambs
13 May 2004
Western Victoria is making its contribution to the national quest for an extra million lambs this season, with reports of twins and triplets already on the ground and flock scanning results with up to 190 per cent conception rates. Producers are aiming for the extra million lambs to make up for the losses suffered during the 2002 drought.
Nareen ewe scanner Mark Jenkinson scans about 150,000-180,000 ewes a year and said his tests pointed to high conception rates this season - up 5-10 per cent on last year. But good scanning results are only part of the picture: there were good results last year but poor marking results due to the weather.
Horsham Department of Primary Industries sheep and wool officer Gary Hallam said lambing has started in his district. The weather is ideal for lambing and some farmers are reporting good levels of multiple births. The good Spring probably led to good joining weights and higher conception, he said.
Weekly Times, 12/5/04, page 7.
|
|
