1 Selecting ewes Author: Nicole Sallur, DPI&F Qld © Sheep CRC Ltd

2 Outline Replacement ewes –numbers –culling and selection –using measurements

3 Replacement ewe numbers 60-90% of hogget ewes are needed as replacements to maintain numbers in a self replacing merino flock Cull surplus ewes to improve flock –Number available depends on lamb weaning percentage

4 Replacement ewe numbers Number of hogget ewes required as replacements depends upon –No. hoggets at classing –No. adult ewes in flock –No. ewes culled –Survival rate of ewes

5 Culling ewes Conformation and visual traits Traits related to the breeding objective General health Teeth wear Udder abnormalities Failure to rear a lamb Age

6 Selecting ewes Hoggets normally selected before first joining when months old Considerations for assessment –Have they been run together and managed the same? –Age –Mothers age –Birth type

7 Using measurements Will it be cost effective and beneficial? Yes, if: –It is a good quality flock –There is an emphasis on improving economic return –Can class out 35% or more of maiden ewes –Traits can be cheaply measured –Product prices are high and variable

8 Using measurements Integrate it into management Measurements are highly repeatable across a sheeps lifetime, so re-testing is not necessary

9 Summary The more hoggets available to cull, the greater the improvement possible in the commercial flock Cull on conformation and visual traits, traits in the breeding objective, health, teeth wear and udder abnormalities, failure to rear a lamb and age To accurately select hogget ewes they need to be run together and managed the same, also consider their age, mothers age and birth type Measurement may be cost effective and beneficial for commercial ewe selection, particularly due to repeatability of measurements