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Ewe lambing, lactation feeding and lamb finishing are the final important feeding periods of the sheep production system. It is important to note that breeding units and lamb finishing will not always occur on the property. They can often be described by two distinct periods:

  1. The pre-weaning or “finishing on mum” period
     
  2. The post-wean finishing period

Note: When sowing grass in the Upper North Island, it is essential that a cultivar with AR37 endophyte is selected and insecticide treated seed is used, as insect pest pressure in this region is extensive.

PRE-WEANING SYSTEM

The breeding unit will often try to maximise the carrying capacity of the capital ewe flock to maximise the numbers of lambs at weaning.

The success of this system is often linked to the production potential of spring conditions.

While planning and farm management plays a major role in a successful season, grass cultivars and forage choices can greatly influence this late winter and early spring period.

Mid heading ryegrass

  • Samson and Reason AR37 as well as early heading tall fescue such as Hummer and Haven have a significant influence on feed supply through September and October

 

Legumes and herbs

  • Relish red clover and Ecotain® environmental plantain have been proven to greatly influence weaning weights and ewe body condition at weaning

 

POST-WEANING FINISHING SYSTEM

This system can occur for a property with the land type and scope that can maintain a finishing system post weaning. This can include farms with a capital ewe flock or it can be farms that trade in lamb finishing through summer, autumn and winter.

The extent of this system’s profitability can be vulnerable to the buying and selling margin of the store stock. Forage quality and timeliness of forage supply often define the success of these systems.

High-quality new pastures

  • Often considered finishing pastures, these will have significant legume and herb content in their first 2-3 years

Herbs and legumes

  • Choice chicory is a productive option in the summer and may also include Relish red clover and Attribute white clover, which can last for at least 2 years
     
  • Ecotain® environmental plantain, Relish red clover and Attribute white clover provide both summer and autumn/winter feed options for finishing
     
  • Relish red clover and Emblem white clover provide an option for summer and autumn finishing

 

Summer brassica 

Excellent options for high liveweight gain potential through hotter summer months and
come in many different starting date options

  • Hunter leafy turnip is ideal to start grazing 6-8 weeks from sowing
  • Mainstar rape, 10-12 weeks from sowing
  • Spitfire rape, 13-14 weeks from sowing

Lucerne 

  • In dryland environments, Torlesse and Titan 5 lucerne are very effective as post-weaning finishing crops

AUTUMN SOWN WINTER FEED OPTIONS FOR CLEANING UP WEEDS

  • Milton oats and Jivet annual ryegrass is an excellent mix for wintering R1 cattle providing siginificant regrowth potential if well managed

 

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