Maximise lamb survivability through strategic feeding
After a strong start in April exploring fertiliser strategies, we’re heading back to Bevan Proffit’s farm to dig deeper into a critical driver of productivity: lamb survivability. This day is all about turning feed into performance – linking ewe condition, lambing success, and smart feed allocation to our shared goals.
We’ll start the day with Bevan Proffit setting the scene for his 2025 season, sharing insights into ewe condition scores, scanning results, and feed planning decisions.
Speakers and topics
Professor Paul Kenyon: Lamb survival – the science and what works
Paul’s work is focused on pastoral-based sheep production systems and husbandry. He has been part of several successful large sheep research programs. These include maximizing ewe lamb (hogget) breeding performance, the management of twin and triplet ewes and their offspring in pregnancy and lactation, developing ewe body condition score guidelines, evaluating ewe efficiency, reducing ewe wastage, using alternative herbages, pasture growth and maximising milk production. He has worked collaboratively with farmers, industry and veterinarians to ensure the results of these studies have resulted in practice change. His current research projects include; upgrading to a self-shedding breed, bioeconomic modelling of sheep production systems to maximise productivity, integration of solar systems on sheep and beef farms, regenerative farming systems, reducing nitrate leaching levels in sheep production systems and use of diverse pasture mixes.
Topics:
- Key factors affecting lamb survival.
- Nutrition, birthweight, and ewe energy needs.
- Practical strategies to reduce losses.
Renee Corner-Thomas: Feeding and behaviour – the missing link
Dr Rene Corner-Thomas completed a BSc at the University of Melbourne in 1996 and moved to New Zealand in 2000 to undertake a Masters in Veterinary Epidemiology. She was first employed at Massey University as a research assistant in the Animal Welfare and Bioethics Centre in 2002 before undertaking a PhD in 2003 to examine the effects of mid-pregnancy stressors on lamb development and post-natal growth. At completion of her PhD in 2007, Rene began working at Estendart Ltd undertaking research compliant with the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). In 2012, Rene returned to Massey University to take up a position as a Research office in the International Sheep Research Centre. Her research aims to improve productivity and profitability of sheep production systems. In addition, she aims improve the welfare of sheep and examine the potential impacts of sheep behaviour on the environment.
Topics:
- How feed impacts ewe-lamb bonding.
- Mismothering and behavioural risks.
- Tips for improving outcomes in hill country.
To close the day, we’ll break into small groups for a strategy session. Using Bevan’s data and the day’s insights, you’ll identify key risks and actions to improve lamb survival on your own farm.
We’ll link these discussions back to our three programme goals and share a few takeaways to guide next steps.
Catering
Lunch will be provided on the day.
Registration
Registration essential.