Lamb survival is always a hot topic, especially as producers increase their scanning percentages and improve their feeding practices, leading to more multiples. This week on the podcast we have Dr Amy Lockwood, whose research has focused on lamb survival - from paddock size to feed availability. 

In this conversation with Dr Mark Ferguson, Amy shares the findings from her PhD research on mob size and lamb survival, illustrating how producers can reduce the size of their lambing paddocks, and manage smaller mobs, for maximum economic value. 

Amy explains, "The effects that we've seen for singles, twins and triplets have all been linear. The smaller the mob, the better the lamb's survival. In terms of the economic optimum for mob size, there is a tipping point and that tipping point will vary depending on the enterprise. But just in terms of the relationship between mob size and lamb survival, the smaller the mob, the better - and the more lambs that are going to be marked out of that paddock," which is what every producer wants.

Mark and Amy also discuss how, with advances in technology, it is now possible to monitor lamb behaviour remotely, allowing for more accurate and efficient data collection and better answers to what constitutes a 'good' lambing paddock. 

Mark and Amy briefly cover her ongoing projects at Murdoch University. Amy is currently working with Serena Hancock on the 'Edible Shelter Project' (a collaboration with UWA). She is also involved in a project focused on genetic solutions for sheep foot health, a collaboration between Murdoch University, neXtgen Agri, key industry bodies and merino breeders in Australia. 

We are fortunate that Amy has recently become part of the neXtgen team (based in Western Australia) and will be sharing more of her wisdom with our clients there. 

Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: [email protected].

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