An investigation of methods of supplementary feeding ewes at lambing on ewe behaviour and lamb survival.

Hartley, Jessica
Murdoch University
andrew.thompson@murdoch.edu.au

Abstract

This project will investigate the effect supplementary feeding ewes at lambing using self-feeders or trail feeding on ewe behaviour and lamb survival. This experiment will test a 2×2 combination of birth type (single or twin) and supplementary feeding method (self-feeders or trail feeding) on the survival of lambs to marking. Research will be conducted at 14 on-farm research sites across Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria during 2020. Mixed age single- and twin-bearing ewes will be randomly allocated to a feeding method and lambing paddock on day 130 (±10 days) from the start of joining. Sensor and/or other remote technology will be used on up to 4 of the research sites to investigate the relationships between the feeding method and ewe behaviour. This research will contribute to a three-year project led by Dr Lockwood and Dr Hancock which is investigating the impacts of various methods of supplementary feeding ewes during lambing on ewe behaviour and lamb survival across southern Australia.