Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Volume 6 Number 2 March-April, 1957 Article 11

3-1957

Fat lamb production in Western Australia

N. Davenport

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Recommended Citation Davenport, N. (1957) "Fat lamb production in Western Australia," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3: Vol. 6 : No. 2 , Article 11. Available at: https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture3/vol6/iss2/11

This article is brought to you for free and open access by Research Library. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3 by an authorized administrator of Research Library. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FAT LAMB PRODUCTION

IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA By N. DAVENPORT, B.Sc. (Agric), Senior Adviser (Meat Production) rpHE production of fat lambs may be considered to have become a major feature of A the West Australian industry in 1931, for it was in that year that lamb pro­ duction first exceeded the State's internal requirements, and provided a surplus for export. Since then there has been a seasonal export of Iambs every year, mainly to the United Kingdom.

The lamb export policy was developed the increased local demand for lamb car­ as the result of recommendations made casses are the main factors which have by an honorary consultative committee stimulated lamb production in Western formed in 1929 to advise the Government Australia. on the problem of the State's surplus sheep. The local demand has risen with the increased population and also with the There has been a marked expansion of greater purchasing power of the in­ fat lamb production since those days. dividuals. Home consumption has risen from 217,000 carcasses in 1930 to 431,000 in 1955-56— A noticeable feature of the virgin land in which season a further 211,000 carcasses development has been the production from were exported. Although the home mar­ recently-developed areas in the south of ket is still the main outlet, the availability the State. of an export market at satisfactory price The buoyancy of the lamb industry is levels is important as a buffer against un­ markedly influenced by the relative re­ duly depressed prices during the periods turns of sheep-farming for and for of peak supplies in the spring. lamb production. During the immediate post-war years EXPANSION FACTORS and until 1952 there was a progressive The increased establishment of im­ decrease in the number of British breed proved subterranean clover pastures re­ rams used in the State, but these increased sulting from the extensive use of super­ by 3,000 in the period 1953-56 and at the phosphate and other fertilisers; the con­ present time the British breed ram popu­ siderable areas of virgin land in sheep- lation is at its highest level since the war. raising areas which have been brought The demand for such rams at present into production since World War II, and exceeds the supply. 233 Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 Fig. 1.—Australian lambs—Including carcasses from Western Australia—exhibited at the Smlthfield Market, London, by the Australian Meat Board MARKET REQUIREMENTS The results of these early inquiries are In order to determine the requirements equally true today, except that demand is of the export trade, the 1929 consultative for even less fat than previously. While committee made inquiries into the type such carcasses are most in demand how­ of carcass which was best suited to the ever there is a definite market for lower United Kingdom market. It was found that quality and heavier carcasses. "the greatest demand was for a sucker Lamb carcasses are marketed in four lamb carcass weighing 28-36 lb. bred pre­ quality grades, viz Down, first, second and ferably from a Down-type ram and com­ third. The Down grade is reserved for pact and symmetrical in shape. It should the highest quality carcasses showing the have a high proportion of meat and be effect of the "Down" sire in producing a well fleshed on all four quarters, particu­ compact very well-fleshed short-boned larly in the loin and hindquarters with carcass that is not over-fat. Within each short bones and a minimum of fat. When quality grade are four weight-grades, viz.: on the hooks the space between the hind "D's" of 20-28 lb.; "2's" of 29-36 lb.; "8's" legs should be in the form of a U rather of 37-42 lb.; and "4's" of 43-50 lb. than a V. Fat covering is important. It is thickest on the back and sides and Although, as previously stated, there is thins out towards the lower ends of the a definite market for the lower quality and legs. While not being too thick on the heavier carcasses, the present price levels back there should be a thin covering over on the United Kingdom market indicate the meat of the legs, particularly towards a preference for lightweight carcasses, the extremities, which is so important in even at the expense of quality. preventing damage by freezing and dry­ The difference in price per lb. between ing out when in the oven." the first and second grade carcasses is 234 Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 FAT LAMB PRODUCTION

Distribution of British Breed Rams in Agric. Areas.

. Represents 2 5 Rams

"•/• . \'." / . * .b'wYALKATC ,£E5Tm,m^ &i

Fig. 2.—A map showing the distribution of British breed rams In Western Australia (Complied from Information supplied by the Government Statistician—March, 1956) usually less than the difference between DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY the 29-36 lb. and 37-42 lb. carcasses in the same quality grade. The , which is the principal Australian sheep breed, was developed as The local market, which in earlier years a wool-producer and is definitely not a was not particularly insistent upon quality, meat type. Its carcass conformation falls has gradually become more exacting, and home consumption prices now tend to far short of export requirements and the show much the same relationship to ewes do not produce milk in the quantities quality as that encountered in the export essential for the rapid growth of high market. quality lambs. 235

• Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 •I ••••

Fig. 3.—Large-framed Merino ewes suitable for breeding first-cross lambs

To produce lambs suitable for a dis­ Following upon research into the breed­ criminating market it was found necessary ing of lambs carried out in other parts to introduce suitable British meat breeds of the Commonwealth and New Zealand, into the lamb-raising programme. an investigation was conducted at the Avondale Research Station near Beverley These were of two main types, the Long- during 1931-33 to determine the most —mainly represented in this State suitable breeding programme for the pro­ by the , English Leicester duction of high quality lambs. and Romney Marsh—and the Shortwools The results of this work, together with or Down breeds of which the most popular the experience of lamb raisers showed are the Southdown and the Dorset Horn. that: — The Longwools are dual-purpose sheep (1) Lambs suitable for both the local combining good mutton qualities with the and export markets could be ob­ production of heavy, long-stapled fleeces. tained by mating Merino ewes with British breed rams. The Shortwools are pre-eminent as meat producers, with chunky, well-fleshed (2) Crossbred ewes were superior to and quick-maturing carcasses, but their Merino ewes and, mated to Down- wool-production is of minor importance. type rams, particularly the South­ down, produced lambs of high The relative popularity of the various quality. British breeds in this State is shown by (3) The most suitable types of cross­ these details of ram numbers at March bred ewes were obtained by mat­ 31, 1956. ing Merino ewes with Longwool breed rams, particularly the Border Leicester and the English Type. Breed. Number. Leicester, with the Romney Marsh preferred in the wetter areas. "Longwools" Romney Marsh i 3,438 (4) The Southdown was unsurpassed Border Leicester | 2,019 English Leicester 714 as the sire for the ideal export "Shortwools" Southdown 6.924 type but the Dorset Horn was well or "Downs" ' Dorset Horn 4,977 suited for the production of early- Other breeds of both types includ-; maturing lambs in the shorter ing Suffolk, Shropshire and Rye-' season districts. land 1,444 The development of the industry has 19.516 been based on these findings. 236

Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 Fig. 4.—C rossbred ewes (Border Leicester-Merino) at the Avondale Research Sta­ tion. Such ewes are well suited to the production of high quality export lambs when mated to Southdown rams

LAMB RAISING AREAS levels, are not quite so efficient in The principal lamb-producing areas, "mothering" their lambs, and secrete less generally referred to as the "lamb belt," milk, consequently their progeny are lie approximately within the 15in. to 30in. somewhat slower in reaching marketable rainfall areas, where the establishment of weights. improved pastures with subterranean Nevertheless Merino ewes play an im­ clover as the basic legume is general prac­ portant role in our lamb-breeding pro­ tice. The seasonal conditions are very gramme. They are used mainly in the dependable and lambs can be marketed less-favoured lamb-producing areas where as suckers each year. The production large-framed, medium to strong-woolled potential of the lamb belt is high. This types of ewes are mated to Longwool rams region contains about ten million acres to produce first-cross lambs of satisfactory of cleared country of which some three and quality for both the home and export a half million acres are under improved markets. sub-clover pasture. The sheep population is approximately 6,000,000. Production The first-cross ewe lambs are in demand per acre is increasing steadily and in as potential mothers of high-quality ex­ addition there are considerable areas of port lambs sired by Down rams. virgin land yet to be brought under culti­ Mated to Dorset Horn rams, suitable vation. Merino ewes produce early lambs of some­ In the areas with a lower annual rain­ what better quality than the progeny of fall, seasonal conditions are not as con­ the Longwool-Merino cross. Because of stant, with the result that in occasional their lower fleece values however, the years, lambs may not "finish" satisfac­ female progeny of the Dorset Horn- torily, and production is therefore some­ Merino cross are not favoured as breeders. what irregular. The relatively high fleece value of the An indication of the areas in which Longwool-Merino cross causes it to be lambs are produced for slaughter is given preferred as a "carry-over" lamb, in cases in the accompanying map which shows where bad seasons or other factors pre- the distribution of British breed rams vent the sale of lambs as suckers. throughout the agricultural areas. As lambs from Merino ewes are of lower BREEDS AND BREEDING value than those from the Longwool- The Merino Ewe. Merino cross ewes, the value of the ewe's Compared with crossbred ewes, fleece is particularly important when con- do not usually have such high fertility sidering the aggregate return "per "ewe in 237 Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 Fig. 5.—High quality second- cross lambs bred at the Avon- dale Research Station. These are the progeny of Border Leicester-Merino ewes mated to Southdown sires

lamb and fleece values. Merino fleeces are In the case of the crossbred ewes, these usually more valuable than crossbred advantages and disadvantages lie about fleeces. midway between those of the Merino and An important feature of the Merino ewe the particular British breed used as a sire. is that its breeding season usually com­ Lambing percentages of crossbred ewes mences about four weeks earlier than the are high and they are good mothers. crossbred. As the lambs usually mature Milk production is usually ample, even for about three to four weeks later than those the nourishment of twin lambs. of the crossbred, the lambs from both Because of these qualities, crossbred types of ewe tend to reach marketable ewes are in keen demand by breeders in condition at about the same time, when the lamb belt for mating with Down rams each ewe flock is mated at the commence­ to produce high-quality lambs. The de­ ment of its particular breeding season. mand is such that it is common practice It is a common practice for Merino wool- to purchase requirements as lambs and producers throughout the sheep-raising hold them for mating as two-tooths in the areas to mate cast-for-age Merino ewes following year. with Longwool or Dorset Horn rams and to sell both the ewes and the lambs. The three principal types of crossbred The Crossbred Ewe. ewes in use in Western Australia are:— The term "crossbred" is generally used (1) Border Leicester-Merino ewes to describe the half-bred progeny of which are suited to conditions Merino ewes mated to Longwool rams. As throughout the lamb belt except was previously explained, the progeny of in the higher rainfall areas. Merino ewes mated to Shortwool rams are They have a high milk yield not favoured. Their better carcass con­ and are considered the best of the formation does not compensate for the three crossbred types in this re­ lowered fleece values compared with the spect. The high growth rate of Longwool-Merino cross. the Border Leicester breed is Compared with the Merino, the British shown in the relatively quick breeds (particularly the Border Leicester maturity of lambs from these and Dorset Horn) have faster growth ewes. rates, higher fertility levels, better milk­ (2) The English Leicester-Merino cross ing qualities and superior carcass con­ ewe is in less general demand formation as meat producers. Their breed­ than the Border Leicester-Merino ing season commences later than that of cross but is preferred in the Avon the Merino. Valley and Great Southern dis- 238 Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 FOR THE 2nd TIME FERGUSON REVOLUTIONISES THE TRACTOR WORLD

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tricts where it has proved itself are well suited for breeding high-quality to be well suited. This type of lambs, although they rank somewhat ewe has the advantage of a some­ lower than Longwool-Merino crossbred what lower-set and less leggy ewes for this purpose. The carcass quality conformation than the Border is not as high, and the lambs take longer Leicester crossbred. However its to mature. The ewes have the advantages progeny do not grow quite as of mating earlier than crossbreds, and rapidly and take longer to reach wool returns are higher. In view of the market standards. shortage of crossbreds, ewes are in keen demand but supplies are very (3) The Romney Marsh-Merino cross limited. ewe is favoured in the heavier rainfall districts where wet pas­ ture conditions during the winter The Southdown Ram. and spring emphasise its advant­ Rams of this breed are superior to all ages over the Border and English others as the sires for high-quality light­ Leicester crossbreds. It is used weight lambs. The Southdown is suited extensively in the Lower Great to the conditions throughout the lamb belt Southern areas and particularly from the Geraldton area in the north to in the lamb areas adjacent to the southern coast. The rams work freely, the southern seaboard. It is quite as well as Dorset Horn rams, in fact of good conformation and the there is no difference between the two returns compare favourably with breeds in this respect. those of the Border Leicester cross. Southdown lambs from crossbred ewes mature—or in other words develop to the The influence of the slower stage when they have the desired propor­ maturing Romney Marsh breed is tion of bone, meat and fat—at lighter shown in the progeny from this weights than lambs sired by rams of other type of crossbred. They take British breeds from similar ewes. This is rather longer to mature than important when the tendency of market lambs from the Border Leicester- demand today is towards lightweight car­ Merino crossbred ewes. casses. At weights above 36 lb. or so, these second-cross lambs readily become over- The Corriedale Ewe. fat. This is not so with the first-cross This is a dual-purpose breed with regard lamb from the Merino ewe, which has lesr to meat and wool production and the ewes tendency to become over-fat than tb 241 Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 Pig. 7.—English Leicester ram

second-cross lamb. First-cross South­ dards. The value of the pelt is consider­ down-Merino lambs also mature at lower able. Should the conditions of the grow­ weights. The carcass is about 2 to 3 lb. ing season not permit the lambs to lighter than that of the Longwool-Merino "finish" as suckers, they are suitable for first cross. carrying over in view of their satisfactory fleece value. The principal value of this The Dorset Horn Ram. breed is that the first-cross ewe lambs Where quick-growing lambs are re­ from Merino ewes are particularly suitable quired, such as for the early market or as mothers for breeding second-cross in the more northern districts with a lambs in the lamb belt. They command shorter growing season the Dorset Horn a premium over their meat values for this is well suited for the purpose. Dorset purpose. Horn-sired second-cross lambs mature two to three weeks earlier than Southdown- The English Leicester Ram. sired lambs from similar ewes, and the This breed is not as widely favoured as carcasses are 2 to 3 lb. heavier. Although the Border Leicester as it is somewhat their carcass conformation falls below the slower-maturing. The first-cross English high level of Southdown-sired lambs, Leicester-Merino ewe is however, highly Dorset-sired lambs are well suited to both valued for its conformation as the the export and local markets. potential mother of export lambs. Other Down breeds such as the Suffolk and have increased in numbers The Romney Marsh Ram. in recent years, but neither is as suitable These rams are now the most numerous as the Southdown for the production of of the Longwool breeds in this State. They lightweight sucker lambs. are preferred to the other Longwool rams for mating to Merino ewes under the The Border Leicester Ram. wetter conditions of the more favoured Conditions in the lower rainfall areas districts. The ewe progeny of this cross east of the lamb belt favour the use of are in keen demand as breeders in the the earlier-maturing breeds such as the heavier rainfall areas. When carried over Border Leicester and Dorset Horn. When the hoggets fatten readily and yield good Border Leicester rams are mated to fleeces. Merino ewes, the lambs have ready sale in local markets particularly when pro­ SELECTION OF RAMS duced early in the season although they Each ram will be expected to sire many are not of high quality by export stan­ lambs, and its influence on the quantity 242

Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 Fig. 8.—Romney Marsh ram

and quality of the lamb drop will be con­ ing from bacterial infection causes swel­ siderable. Rams are usually purchased as ling and blocking of the duct which car­ two-tooths (li years old). At this age, ries the sperm, with partial or complete they are sexually mature and are quite infertility as the result. The disease can capable of mating at the ratio of three spread through the ram flock. rams per 100 ewes. The average working life of a British breed ram is four to five SELECTION OF EWES years, after which fertility can drop quite Farmers whose principal income is de­ sharply. rived from lamb breeding, usually prefer Features of a good ram are a general to purchase their ewe requirements, alert and healthy appearance, good feet whether they are crossbreds or Merinos. and the ability to walk well; legs set well The practice of running a ewe-breeding apart; well-sprung ribs.without weakness flock and a lamb-breeding flock on the behind the shoulder, a broad level back one property is not favoured. showing good loin development, the top- The mutton qualities of crossbred ewes line continuing on to the tail without fal­ have been improved appreciably over ling away unduly and carried down to a those of the Merino by the influence of deep full twist. Fleshing should be good British breed sires. As they are used down to the knees and hocks. The mouth essentially for breeding top-quality lambs should be normal and the animal should it is necessary that they should exhibit carry a good even fleece typical of the pronounced mutton qualities. They should breed. be low-set and blocky within the charac­ When purchasing rams it is important teristics of the type. For instance, the that careful inspection should be made of Border Leicester cross ewe tends to be the testicles to ensure that they are in more leggy than the Romney Marsh or good condition; that there is no abnormal English Leicester cross. They should have development and particularly no indica­ good width of brisket, be well set behind tion of epididymitis, which is a common the shoulder and have well-sprung ribs cause of infertility in British breed rams. indicating a broad back and well- It is a disease caused by a specific bac­ developed loin. They should not be hollow- terium which becomes established in the backed, and the topline should not fall epididymus, normally a small soft knob away unduly at the tail. Well-filled hind at the base of each testicle. The epididy­ legs, set well apart, is an important point mus is a channel for the passage of sperm for selection. The better the crossbred from the testicles. Inflammation result­ ewe, the better the second-cross fat lamb. 243

Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 Fig. 9.—Southdown ram

Research in New South Wales has shown MATING that the better type ewes produce lambs The breeding season for Merino ewes in of heavier carcass weights. the earliest lamb producing districts com­ Results of research at the Avondale mences during early November. This is Research Station have shown that breed­ sufficiently early for the lambs to finish as ing from crossbred ewes of greater than suckers except in abnormal seasons. average size, is of no advantage with re­ For crossbreds ewes the season com­ gard to the size of the lamb produced, and mences about a month later than Merinos. therefore presumably also to the growth In the Geraldton area this is in early rate and quality of the lamb. As the main­ December. The breeding season is later tenance requirements of sheep are pro­ as we move southwards, commencing in portional to their size, crossbreds of above late December in the Avon Valley and average size could show a smaller net re­ mid-January in the most southern dis­ turn per year. This need not necessarily tricts. be so with Merino ewes for which milk production is such an important factor Early lambing is desirable in the north­ for lamb growth for the first eight to ten ern areas so that the lambs can finish be­ weeks. In fact, higher milk yields may fore the pastures dry off and grass seeds generally be associated with heavier ewes. become troublesome. For this reason, a few Dorset Horn rams are useful towards A robust well-fleshed type of Merino ewe the end of the mating period in these dis­ should be selected. The narrow slab-sided tricts to replace Southdown rams so that ewe should be avoided. The South Austra­ the last lambs will mature more quickly. lian type of sheep is well suited for cross­ ing with British breed rams. In the areas adjacent to the southern seaboard where mid-winter conditions can The wool yield of the ewe flock is an be harsh, spring lambing is becoming more important consideration as, on present popular. In these districts the growing price levels for wool and lamb, the wool season is long and can extend at times returns fall little short of the value of the into December. Ewes can thus lamb down lamb. This applies with equal emphasis on good pasture and raise their lambs whether the flock be either crossbred or under conditions favourable to milk pro­ Merino. duction. Ewes should be selected when in good The income from the flock is markedly condition but not fat and at least half influenced by the percentage of lambs woolled for preference. dropped. Every care should be given to 244 Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 ••- ^aMMA^^^^

Pig. 10—Dorset Horn ram

- this aspect of flock management, and the third week after introducing the rams. fertility of the rams is of particular im­ Use of this fact is made by adding "teaser" portance in this regard. rams to the flock for two weeks prior to As rams of the British breeds do not the mating date decided upon, and then maintain a high level of fertility over replacing them with the entire rams on many years the ram flock should be kept that date. reasonably young. The incidence of A very suitable and common practice epididymitis is usually lower in young which effects the same result is to join rams. one-third, i.e., one per cent, of rams for Fertility can be impaired by troubles a fortnight before the mating date, and at such as fly-strike, head injury, abscess the end of that time join the remainder. formation and grass seed trouble, particu­ Such a mating procedure does not increase larly about the testicles. Even after re­ the percentage drop, but is likely to result covery it may take two months to regain in a more concentrated and earlier lamb­ normal fertility. It is important also that ing. the scrotum or purse should be free of After the mating period, the rams wool, in order to prevent overheating. should be gone over for injury, condition and culling and the requirements for the The rams should receive regular atten­ following season determined. tion throughout the year, and particu­ larly within two months of mating. For The ewe flock also requires careful mating they should be in good active con­ treatment. When culling, those with de­ dition and certainly not fat. fective udders should be excluded, and also the non-breeders, i.e., those which It is important to the lamb breeder that have not lambed for two consecutive the lambing period should be as short as seasons. possible. Three per cent, of rams should As the lamb flock has been on good be used to ensure this. pasture during the late winter and spring Interest has increased recently in the period, the ewes, particularly crossbreds, use of vasectomised or "teaser" rams, i.e., are often overfat. For mating, they should rams which have been operated upon, and preferably be in strong forward store con­ rendered infertile but are still vigorous dition. To allow time in which to reduce and able to serve. At the commencement the condition of the ewes, it may be neces­ of the breeding season and at that time sary to wean the last of the lambs a little only, the presence of rams in the flock tends early. It takes several weeks to reduce to induce the great majority of the ewes overfat crossbred ewes even on poor to come into oestrus or heat during the pasture. 245 Journal of agriculture Vol. 6 1957 FLUSHING further month or so. The practice is It has been shown that if ewes in suit- termed "flushing." A high level of nutri- able condition are increasing in body- tion is not required. Good paddock weight when mated, a greater number of grazing is sufficient, particularly where twins will be dropped. This fact can be meadow hay has been cut and left as made use of by improving the nutrition grazing. Paddocks in which there are ^rit^Ve^t^oSn^tnfr^f l°I ^7°e r^r^f ^sT nt0 acropPPres"abl aree weresiduen suites odf grai f0rn thfroem «cerea~l usual to continue this treatment for a (To be concluded).

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