The guidelines developed by lifetimewool are a series of optimum condition score profiles. These are based on robust and sound research and demonstration studies carried out by scientists, wool producers, private consultants and government extension officers. The project was conducted on farms at plot and paddock scale and then through on-farm demonstration sites, in the temperate wool growing areas in five states across southern Australia.
The results showed that managing Merino ewes to specific condition score profiles could increase whole farm profit by changing:
- ewe health and survival
- ewe wool production and staple strength
- ewe reproduction
- lamb birth weight and survival
- progeny fleece weight and fibre diameter.
In particular, the project validated that the effects of ewe nutrition during pregnancy on progeny wool production are permanent for the lifetime of the progeny.
Read more about the lifetimewool project.
The guidelines and practical recommendations from the project have been developed into a nationally accredited training program ‘Lifetime Ewe Management’ which has been completed by over 1000 producers across Australia. Read more about how you can join a Lifetime Ewe Management group.