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[BUSINESS] · Australia · 6 sources

Part of situation: Sheep genetic selection and productivity research (2 clusters)

Genetic selection impacts lamb survival and profitability

lamb survival genetic selection sheep farming agricultural profitability Poll Dorset

Research presented at the Bowan Park Sire Evaluation Field Day on the NSW Central Tablelands indicates that balancing lamb survival with growth rates can increase gross margins by $4 to $5 per dry sheep equivalent.

Isabele Roberts, hosting the trial at Cudal, noted that genetic selection, specifically the choice of rams, is a primary driver of profitability. Key factors include birthweight and gestation length. In a 2026 cohort of pure Poll Dorset lambs, single births averaged 5.9kg, twins 4.5kg, and triplets 3.4kg.

The study aimed to find an optimal weight range to maximize survival and growth while minimizing management intervention. Findings suggest that as lamb birthweight increases, the likelihood of requiring assistance during lambing also increases.

Entities

Bowan Park · Cudal · Isabele Roberts · Poll Dorset

Sources

'Growth rates matter': costly surprises thrown up for lamb survival, too [www.theland.com.au]
'Growth rates matter': costly surprises thrown up for lamb survival, too [www.stockjournal.com.au]
'Growth rates matter': costly surprises thrown up for lamb survival, too [www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au]
'Growth rates matter': costly surprises thrown up for lamb survival, too [www.stockandland.com.au]
'Growth rates matter': costly surprises thrown up for lamb survival, too [www.farmweekly.com.au]
'Growth rates matter': costly surprises thrown up for lamb survival, too [www.farmonline.com.au]