Comparative productivity of super-fine Merino and Border Leicester breeding ewes grazing semi-improved native pasture on the New England Tablelands, New South Wales

Abstract

Age-balanced breeding flocks of 40 ewes of the super-fine Merino (M) and Border Leicester (BL) breeds were set-stocked together on semi-improved native pasture for three years. The M ewes grew more wool and weaned more lambs of a lighter weight, while the BL ewes were heavier than the M ewes at all weighings. During the last year the BL ewes experienced an overall weight loss not shown by the M ewes, which was reflected in increased mortality. Mortality within the BL breed was high, 70% compared with 17.5% for the M. Pneumonia was the primary cause of death.