Pasture systems to improve productivity of sheep in south-western Victoria 2. Animal production from ewes and lambs

Abstract

Two pasture systems (Typical, Upgraded) were compared at five on-farm sites across south-western Victoria between 1990 and 1996. The Typical pasture treatment mimicked the pastures common in the region, with volunteer annual-based species fertilised with ~5 kg/ha.year phosphorus (P). The Upgraded pasture treatment was sown to phalaris, perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover using cultivars recommended for the particular area. Higher rates of fertiliser (13–25 kg/ha.year P) plus other nutrients were applied. Both pastures were set-stocked with breeding ewes. The stocking rate on the Typical treatments was based on normal farm practice. Initially, the stocking rate of the Upgraded pastures was 15% higher than the Typical pastures and increased over time depending if the ewes in the Upgraded pastures were heavier than those in the Typical pastures. Measurements included pasture growth, composition and persistence, ewe stocking rates, ewe and lamb liveweights and condition scores, lambing, marking and weaning percentages, fleece characteristics and supplementary feeding. Over the 6 years, the average carrying capacity of the Upgraded pastures was 18.0 DSE (Dry Sheep Equivalents)/ha compared with 10.2 DSE/ha on the Typical pastures (P < 0.001). As well, the ewes on the Upgraded pastures were 2–3 kg heavier (P < 0.001) and 0.3 condition score higher (P < 0.001) than those on the Typical pastures. Ewes grazing the Upgraded pastures cut significantly more wool per head (4.8 versus 4.5 kg) of higher micron wool (23.1 versus 22.6 um, P < 0.001) but with similar yield and strength. There was no difference in the supplementary feeding required on the treatments. Ewes grazing Upgraded pastures had significantly higher lambing (116 versus 102%), marking (86 versus 81%) and weaning percentages (84 versus 79%) and weaned significantly heavier lambs (23.6 versus 22.6 kg) than those on Typical pastures. There was less feed on offer (P < 0.05) in the Upgraded pastures compared with the Typical pastures in autumn–winter but similar or higher levels in spring and summer. Gross margins using current costs and prices were $20 and $24/DSE for the Typical and Upgraded pastures, respectively. These values were used in a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the long-term benefits of the treatments. Assuming a 12-year life for the pasture, the internal rate of return was 27% with the breakeven point in Year 7. Treatment and ewe condition score significantly influenced lambing percentage with ewes in condition score 3.0 at joining having a lambing percentage of 111% compared with 95% if at condition score 2.3. Irrespective of condition score, ewes grazing Upgraded pastures had a 7% higher lambing percentage than those grazing the Typical pastures. Ewe condition score and lambing time significantly affected weaning weight. Lambs born to ewes in condition score 2.3 during pregnancy and lambing in autumn, reached only 32% of mature ewe liveweight at weaning whereas lambs from ewes at condition score 3.0 achieved 51% of mature weight by weaning.