Intensifying ewe productivity

Abstract

Calculations on the relative efficiencies of cattle, sheep and pigs as meat producers indicate that the main factor limiting the energetic efficiency of sheep meat production is the low average fecundity of the ewe (Blaxter, 1968). Nevertheless with an estimated ‘biological ceiling’ of five lambs per ewe per pregnancy, and a potential mean lambing interval of 6 months (Wilson, 1968), the sheep industry is much further from achieving its biological ceiling than any other form of domestic livestock production. Because these estimates are based on the performance of specific individuals one must question their attainment on a flock basis. Furthermore, even if the necessary technical information were available, its adoption on a commercial scale may be prohibitive on economic grounds. These uncertainties should not deter us from seeking a greater understanding of the basic factors controlling ewe productivity, nor from attempting to integrate this knowledge into existing production systems.