Research Library

Article Title

Help those lambs to live

Authors

C J. Spencer

Keywords

Lambs, Husbandry, Survival, Protection, Western Australia

First Page Number

621

Last Page Number

624

Abstract

IN almost all breeding flocks the most serious stage of sheep loss is from birth to three days of age with the majority of these losses occurring at birth or during the first day.

The number of lambs lost at this time is rarely known, but survey work shows that on most properties ten to twenty of every hundred lambs born are dead before three days of age.

The economic importance of such losses cannot be emphasised too much. Money has been expended for rams as sires, while the ewes have received extra feed and have had their wool production checked by the developing lamb.

It must also be remembered that lamb losses mean less surplus sheep for sale, lower culling levels and result in slower flock improvement.

Recommended Citation

Spencer, C J. (1960) "Help those lambs to live," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4: Vol. 1 : No. 7 , Article 12.
Available at: https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture4/vol1/iss7/12