Welcome to the latest episode of the Head Shepherd podcast, where Ferg is chatting with Dr. Susan Robertson, a senior lecturer in ruminant production at Charles Sturt University.

Susan has a wide range of research interests - from a PhD looking at staple strength in ewes, then delving more into pasture production, before transitioning into a full-time research role in 2016 with the EverGraze project (which aims to improve sheep reproduction).   More recently, Susan has conducted a trial on the impact of caffeine on lamb survival. 

Caffeine is used in human medicine to mitigate the lack of oxygen at birth and Susan wanted to know if it could have a similar impact on lamb survival.  The results were fascinating with a 21% survival improvement in the first trial.  However, due to the nature of livestock trials, the results did not repeat.

Susan and Ferg also speak about the work she has been involved with in mating ewes in confinement.  With such a broad range of "confinement" styles across Australia, Sue said the work has been very interesting.

For more information about the EverGraze project, check out https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pasture-management/evergraze-project.

You can read the results of "Frequency of feeding during the periconceptional period did not alter reproduction in Merino sheep" here:
https://www.publish.csiro.au/AN/pdf/AN22161.

And, the guidelines for breeding ewes in containment that Susan referenced can be found here: https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/extensions-training-and-tools/documents/managing-breeding-ewes-in-containment-areas.pdf.

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