Research to improve lamb survival

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) led project, funded by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), will be outlined at the Graham Centre's sheep forum on Friday 7 July.

CSU lecturer in whole farm management and Graham Centre researcher Dr Shawn McGrath (left) says the research follows a 2016 study of ewe flocks in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

"The preliminary results of this on-farm study showed there may be some relationship between lamb survival and the calcium and magnesium status of ewe flocks," Dr McGrath said.

"We know that clinical hypocalcaemia or low calcium levels in blood, and hypomagnesaemia or low magnesium levels in blood, can compromise the health of the ewes and result in death.

"A review of scientific literature has identified that even when the ewe is not showing clinical signs, there are a number of mechanisms by which the calcium and magnesium status may have a role in the poor survival of newborn lambs."

An experiment this year will put that to the test, comparing lamb survival when ewes are supplemented with calcium and magnesium compared to when no supplements are fed.

"The experiments will be conducted on five farms across NSW, South Australia and Western Australia with interstate trials managed by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and Murdoch University," Dr McGrath said.

"Our aim is to see if the possible benefits to lamb survival identified in the literature can be demonstrated on farm."

The research is led by Graham Centre Director Professor Michael Friend and involves Dr McGrath, Dr Susan Robertson and Dr Marie Bhanugopan from CSU; Dr Janelle Jenkins from SARDI and Dr Serina Hancock from Murdoch University.

Dr McGrath will present the research at the Graham Centre's sheep forum on Friday 7 July at the CSU Convention Centre in Wagga Wagga.