Mating Pathways
Mating management of ewes should be decided by their weight and condition. Animals below normal weight or condition score need to be managed separately.
The lightest should not be mated and should be sold. No ewe with a condition score of less than 2.0 should be mated, nor Corriedale or crossbred sheep of less than 40 kg or Merino less than 37 kg.
Not all ewes should be mated. Use the following chart to ensure you only breed from stock capable of rearing a lamb.
Mating can be delayed up to 21 days. The number of days to delay mating becomes simpler to estimate if the date has been identified at which most of the ewes will be ovulating.
In-lamb ewes cannot afford to lose any of their mating liveweight up to lambing. Any serious liveweight loss (up to 5%) will affect both lamb survival and mothering ability.
If the drought continues into May, look at selling all poor-condition ewes under 50 kg.
All classes of ewes should be fed a high energy/protein feed 14-21 days pre-lambing if pasture covers are less than 800 kg dry matter per lambing hectare. Barley, peas or silage are suitable.
Ian Blair
Agricultural Consultant
Agriculture New Zealand
Blenheim
Diagrammatic pathway to establish mating strategies
Note:
Liveweight at mating is for Corriedales and crossbred ewes. For Merinos, deduct 4 kg from each weight.
Contact for Enquiries
Manager
North Island Regions
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Hamilton
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 7 957 8313
Contact this person
