Some aspects of the production of weaner sheep in the winter rainfall regions of Australia

Abstract

Some of the major factors affecting losses and lower production in young weaned sheep in the winter rainfall areas of Australia are discussed. The problems are particularly associated with the dry season of December–April caused primarily by the low nutritive value of mature, dry herbage. Energy and protein insufficiency are the most important deficiencies. Cobalt and selenium are probably the only trace elements likely to be involved in weaner ill-thrift. The other major variables affecting weaner production are weaning weight (which may well be affected by season of birth and/or dam's stocking rate) and internal parasites. Most of the evidence suggests that nurture for survival and maintenance rather than continuous growth is still the more appropriate managerial practice and the importance of good pre-weaning rather than post weaning nutrition is emphasized.