Given Q Flashcards
Discuss how producers would manage breeding and genetics to maximise profitability.
Sets genetic direction of herd.
SMART - specific, measurable, achieveable, realistic, timely.
Consider market specs.
Consider operation limitations (growth rates, nutrition, fertility).
To maximise profitability the farmer should come up with plan and use selection criteria to identify the traits that are most desirable to their operation.
Tools to help with animal selection; breed plan, structural assessment, live animal assessment, market assisted selection, genomics, EBVs and selection indexes.
Consider type of breeding program; straight, cross bred, composite.
BUY GOOD BULLS
Discuss how producers would manage pasture utilisation/nutrition to maximise profitability.
Pasture provides the energy needed for the production system and is the cheapest form of feed ($100t/DM or 10c/kg).
Achieving optimal stocking rates with good pasture utilisation will allow for a low cost production system.
Energy is the most limiting factor.
Match stage of production to pasture supply to maximise profitability.
Ways to manipulate pasture supply.
Southern systems particularly; ryegrass and clover are primarily cropped in this region, good pastures grazed can be expected to consist of 25% protein with 80% digestibility, bloat can be an issue.
Discuss how producers would manage reproductive management of the breeding herd to maximise profitability.
In temperate southern Australia there is a large focus on reproduction. Means a high emphasis on fertility and joining patterns.
Annual breeding cycle
Aims to maximise profitability; tight calving pattern, minimise PPAI (older cows shorter, nutrition, suckling, breed), meet energy requirements, one calf per year, 96% pregnancy, heifers calve 2yrs, herd structure.
Use pregnancy diagnosis; allows early ID of NIC, predict calving pattern, ID abnormalities, drought strategies, assists economic management.
Discuss how producers would manage meeting market specifications of the breeding herd to maximise profitability.
Keeping animals to heavier weights is generally more profitable.
Price discounts if specifications aren’t met.
Tight calving pattern allows more uniform supply of product and therefore higher prices.
Types; MSA, Angus, Hereford true, EU, pasture fed, wagyu.
Hormonal growth promotants may be used in some systems, however should be avoided if markets penalise for reduced marbling and leaner carcass.
What recommendations would you make to the sheep enterprise?
Dystocia rates - choose Rams with low EBVs for birth weight. White Suffolk Rams are a lot larger than Merino ewes.
Maintain good plane of nutrition prior to joining and throughout pregnancy.
High SME - separate maiden and mature ewes (decrease interference), separate twin bearers, ensure adequate shelter, BCS. Consider distance to water, stocking rate, shade.
BCS - ensure it doesn’t drop below 3, cull ewes less than 2 prior to joining, younger/lighter ewes should be joined with Rams of lower EBVs for birth weight.
Nutrition - what type of pasture are they on? Oestrogenic clovers? Flush to increase ovulation rate.
What is ewe fertility affected by?
Nutrition Health Age Genetics Temperature Season
Early embryo mortality may be caused by?
Age Stress Breed Under/excess nutrition Oestrogenic clovers Anthelmintics
Marking % depends on?
Successful fertilisation
Ovulation rate
Carry to term
Post natal survival
What are the nutritional requirements of single ewes?
> 800kg Dm/ha
What are the nutritional requirements of twin ewes?
> 1500kg DM/ha
