Performance of sheep systems grazing perennial pastures. 4. Simulated seasonal variation and long-term production
Susan M. Robertson A B C and Michael A. Friend A B C D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries), Albert Pugsley Place, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia.
B Cooperative Research Centre for Future Farm Industries, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
C School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: mfriend@csu.edu.au
Animal Production Science 60(3) 423-435 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN18558
Submitted: 4 September 2018 Accepted: 6 May 2019 Published: 31 December 2019
Abstract
Choice of sheep-management system alters both production potential and the production risk due to variability in seasonal conditions. This study quantified production and gross margins from systems based on Merino ewes and varying in stocking rate, time of lambing, and the proportion of ewes joined to terminal-breed or Merino rams. Simulation studies were conducted between 1971 and 2011 using the AusFarm decision-support tool for a grazing property in southern New South Wales. Joining between December and May resulted in higher gross margins than in other months because of higher numbers of lambs sold combined with a lower requirement for supplementary feeding. More ewes could be carried per hectare for April joining than February joining to achieve the same midwinter stocking rate and risk of feeding. Self-replacing systems could produce median gross margins similar to those with replacement ewes purchased, but gross margins were sensitive to the cost of replacement ewes. Of the systems compared, February joining to Merino rams produced the lowest gross margins at all stocking rates, but this system also had the lowest variability among years. The advantage of different systems was dependent on seasonal conditions, which altered lamb production and supplementary feeding. The median ranking of systems for gross margin generally did not alter with changes in feed, sheep or wool values. Large increases in gross margins can be achieved through use of terminal-breed rams, optimal stocking rates and time of lambing, but the superiority of any option depended on production system, price assumptions and seasonal conditions.
Additional keywords: agricultural systems, decision-support systems, grazing management, nutrition, reproduction.
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