Nutrition key to lambing percentage at ‘Pooginook’

Sitting on the Riverina plains north of Jerilderie, "Poogi- nook" had 106pc of lambs on the ground while the district average was closer to 65pc.

Elders senior livestock production advisor Rob Inglis said he and Mr Sutherland condition scored the "Poogi- nook" ewes in March, before they were due to start lambing in May.

"On the back of a dry spring in 2012, and then a disastrous summer rain event, feed quality really suffered prior to autumn lambing (in 2013)," Mr Inglis said.

"Dry feed was ruined by the summer rain, which meant a lot of the sugars washed out of it.

"It became highly indigestible, and the sheep lost weight and condition."

Mr Sutherland and Mr Inglis looked towards imp- roving the ewes' condition before lambing began through supplementary feeding, with a focus on those lambing-down twins.

"As the conception rates were good, and John knew he had a lot of twins, the aim was to manage the twins well, given the harsh conditions," Mr Inglis said.

"The twin bearing ewes were fed a grain-based supplement that included Rivalea's Ewe Care.

"This pellet contains a balance of energy and protein, as well as the correct proportions of minerals to facilitate adequate calcium mobilisation, an essential component of a pre-lambing diet.

"Nine out of 10 seasons are tough for autumn lambing in southern NSW and I believe it's mandatory to supplementary feed ewes to get good results."

Feeding ewes every second day with a mixture of pellets and corn, Mr Sutherland said the supplementary diet achieved a good economic result.

"Ewe health was good pre- and post-lambing, and lamb vigour was good too, due to the fact the ewes could provide sufficient milk," he said.

The twin lambs in particular were able to achieve good growth rates up until rain improved the pasture growth.