Improving sheep production and welfare in extensive systems through precision sheep management
Jessica E. Morris A , Greg M. Cronin A and Russell D. Bush A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: russell.bush@sydney.edu.au
Animal Production Science 52(7) 665-670 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN11097
Submitted: 2 June 2011 Accepted: 22 February 2012 Published: 5 April 2012
Abstract
This overview discusses how precision sheep management could be utilised in the Australian sheep industry to improve production efficiency and reduce animal welfare concerns due to low monitoring frequency by stockpeople. The concept of precision sheep management is described. This is a system in which sheep are managed as individuals or small groups rather than as a (whole) flock. Precision sheep management utilises the application of radio frequency identification technology, enabling producers to better monitor sheep in extensive situations, and contribute to improved efficiency of management and sheep welfare. Examples of combining radio frequency identification with other technologies such as walk-over-weighing and Pedigree Matchmaker are discussed. These technologies provide producers with tools to improve the cost effectiveness of, and labour efficiency associated with, collecting data on individual animals. The combined technologies should also improve consistency and reliability of information, enhancing decision-making by producers, for example, from regular monitoring of biometric variables such as liveweight, or calculating breeding values to enable superior genetic comparisons over time.
Additional keywords: labour saving, Pedigree Matchmaker software, RFID identification, technology, walk-over-weighing.
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