Efficiency in Lamb Breeding: A ProBreed Perspective In 2024, the processing sector has shown a keen interest in heavier lambs. However, at ProBreed, we firmly believe that efficiency remains the cornerstone of successful lamb production. Let's delve into how ProBreed's approach aligns with this philosophy.   1. The Pursuit of Efficiency Efficiency is multifaceted. It encompasses not only the number of lambs produced but also their growth rate and overall health. As a producer, it's essential to strike a balance between size and efficiency. While larger lambs may seem appealing, their rapid growth and feed consumed can sometimes come at the expense of long-term productivity. THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY REVIEW To support our commitment to efficiency, we draw insights from the literature review titled Improving the on-farm energetic efficiency of the Australian lamb industry . Conducted by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), this review explores key factors influencing energy utilisation in lamb production. Here are some highlights: Energy Conversion and Utilisation Understanding energy partitioning—gross energy, digestible energy, metabolisable energy, and net energy—is crucial. Factors like feed quality, photoperiod, temperature, and humidity impact energy utilisation. Animal Factors and Genetics Sex, birth type, and temperament influence efficiency. Genotype matters too—high growth potential, muscling potential, and back fat potential play a role. Maternal genetics also affect lamb performance. Growth Trajectory and Body Composition Steady, balanced growth is essential for efficiency. Monitoring fat score and body composition helps maintain optimal lamb development. Prenatal Influences Maternal nutrition and stress during gestation impact lamb efficiency. 2. Grass-Fed Growth in the First 100 Days The critical early period—those first 100 days—sets the foundation for lamb development. ProBreed focuses on sires that excel in grass-fed environments. Our rams are carefully selected based on their ability to thrive on natural pasture, efficiently converting it into healthy lamb growth. Sustainability is at the core of our practices, ensuring robust lambs without compromising efficiency. 3. ProBreed's Commitment to the Australian Lamb Industry Remember that ProBreed supplies rams to the Australian lamb industry. Our dedication to efficiency extends beyond individual producers—it contributes to the industry's overall success. By prioritising efficient breeding practices, we collectively enhance lamb production across the nation. 4. Stay Focussed As a producer, it's tempting to be seduced by the allure of bigger lambs. However, we encourage you to stay focused on efficiency. Consider the long-term benefits of well-balanced growth and sustainable practices. ProBreed stands by your side, providing support and guidance on this rewarding journey. At ProBreed, we refuse mediocrity and embrace a growth mindset. Prioritise efficiency—it's the key to sustainable success! 🐑💡  Upcoming Ram Sale ProBreed rams available for private selection, by appointment, from Wednesday 9 October 2024.

In the quest for excellence within the Australian Lamb Industry, the role of genetics cannot be overstated. At the forefront of this genetic evolution are Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs), a set of predictive tools that are reshaping how we understand and select ram genetics for a sustainable and profitable future. ASBVs provide a comprehensive prediction of an animal’s genetic merit for a range of economically important traits .   These traits encompass growth, carcass and eating quality, wool characteristics, reproduction, health, and welfare traits. By evaluating these traits, ASBVs offer a glimpse into the potential performance of an animal’s progeny, based on the genetic legacy they inherit. Unlike Flock Breeding Values (FBVs), which are limited to comparisons within a single flock, ASBVs are comparable across different flocks.  This universality allows for a broader, more accurate assessment of genetic merit, facilitating better-informed selection decisions across the industry. The process of estimating ASBVs involves a meticulous analysis of data, pedigree, and genomic information collected by Sheep Genetics members.  This data-driven approach ensures that the breeding values reflect a true genetic potential, rather than being influenced by environmental factors. Indexes, which combine multiple production traits into a single, weighted figure, further streamline the selection process.  By ranking animals based on these indexes, breeders can quickly identify the best candidates for their specific production goals, ensuring balanced genetic progress. ProBreed’s commitment to utilising ASBVs in ram selection exemplifies the innovative spirit driving the Australian Lamb Industry forward.  By embracing these advanced genetic tools, ProBreed is not only enhancing the quality and performance of their rams but also contributing to the industry’s overarching goal of producing high-quality, sustainable lamb products for the world. For more insights into the transformative impact of ASBVs on ram genetics and the Australian Lamb Industry, stay tuned to upcoming articles at probreed.com.au/blog where we will delve deeper into each trait and the science behind genetic selection. x

ProBreed rams available for private selection, by appointment, from Wednesday 9 October 2024. Sheep Breeding is a complex and challenging activity that requires planning, management and evaluation.   ProBreed offers a range of breed types that are designed to suit different production systems and market requirements.  Whether you are looking for maternal, dual-purpose or terminal sires, ProBreed has the right solution for you.   1. ProBreed Maternal Highly productive Maternal sheep MA Scanning 200-220% MA Weaning 175-190% Survival 80-94% Moderate Adult Weight 62-70kg 2. ProBreed Plus Multi-Purpose sheep scanning 190%+ Hogget Micron 21-23 MA Micron 25 MA Weaning 167%+ Moderate Adult Weight 62-70kg 3. ProBreed Terminal Survival Focus  MEQ Carcase Fast 100 Day Growth Paired to match ‘Maternals’ There are many factors that influence the performance, health and profitability of your flock, such as genetics, nutrition, health, environment and market conditions. To help you achieve your breeding goals, you need a reliable and trusted partner that can provide you with the best genetics, advice and support. Contact Jamie Ramage to discuss your needs and arrange an inspection

Preparing for the Cold Season Ahead As winter approaches in Victoria and South East South Australia, sheep farmers face critical decisions regarding ewe nutrition and management. Let's delve into key aspects to watch out for. 1. Ewe Pregnancy Nutrition Early Pregnancy: During early pregnancy, foetal growth is minimal, allowing ewes to be maintained on a diet Similar to dry sheep. Aim for a minimum condition score of two (ideally three) for ewes. Twin-bearing ewes Should have a condition score 0.5 higher than singles. Avoid overfeeding during this period to prevent rapid lamb growth and birth difficulties. Late Pregnancy: In the final six weeks of pregnancy, significant lamb growth occurs. The entire conceptus Weight increases by approximately 10kg. Ewes require a diet comprising at least 8% crude protein. Grain supplementation can help Meet their nutritional needs. - Skeletal material in developing foetuses draws heavily on the ewe's Calcium stores. Adequate Calcium intake is crucial. 2. Winter Feeding Strategies Hay and Grain: Recent rains may lead to pasture growth, but many farmers will still need to supplement Feed during winter. Increase feed by 20% in cold conditions. To boost energy intake, provide good-quality hay in paddocks during wet and cold weather. Mismothering Prevention: Handfeeding lambing ewes reduces mismothering. Feed ewes daily and in the afternoon to Maintain consistent nutrition. Adjust mob size and stocking rate to minimise mismothering risks. 3. BestWool/BestLamb Conference 2024 Don't miss the Agriculture Victoria 2024 BestWool/BestLamb Conference and Dinner: Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024 Location: Goods Shed, Ballarat (200 Lydiard Street North, Soldiers Hill) Register Now to gain insights and network with industry experts! More Info: Click photo below to visit official event page Source: Conversation with Copilot, 17/06/2024 BestWool/BestLamb Conference 2024 Feeding Pregnant and Lambing Ewes - RMS Agricultural Consultants Feeding and managing livestock over winter - Local Land Services Getting ewe nutrition in late pregnancy right - Agriland Supplementary feeding calculator for pregnant and lactating ewes Remember, as sheep farmers, our decisions today shape the future of our flocks. Let's prioritise ewe health, nutrition, and sustainable practices. Stay warm, stay informed, and shepherd wisely! *Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ProBreed or the conference organisers.

Rebuilding Flocks with High Fertility Maternal Lines One constant is climate variability where droughts can challenge even the hardiest of sheep, breeders seek resilient solutions. ProBreed, a trusted name in the industry, offers three distinct ram lines: ProBreed Maternal ; ProBreed Plus ; and ProBreed Terminal . Let's explore how high fertility maternal rams play a crucial role in rebuilding flocks after droughts. 1. The PROBREED MATERNAL  Line Self Replacing Fertility: The ProBreed Maternal line is a beacon of fertility. Ewes within this lineage consistently produce healthy lambs, ensuring the flock's continuity. Adaptability: These rams thrive in diverse conditions. Their ability to conceive and rear lambs efficiently makes them ideal for rebuilding flocks post-drought. 2. The PROBREED PLUS Line Performance Merino Infusions: The ProBreed Plus combines the best of both worlds. By infusing performance merino genetics, it achieves lower micron wool without compromising maternal traits. Dual Purpose: These rams contribute to both wool and meat production. Their adaptability allows breeders to rebuild their flocks while maintaining wool quality. 3. The PROBREED TERMINAL Line Meat Excellence: The ProBreed Terminal line focuses on meat production. These rams deliver rapid early growth and superior meat quality. Easy Lambing: Their genetics ensure smooth lambing, minimising stress during critical periods. High Fertility Maternal Rams: Fast Recovery: After a drought, rebuilding flocks swiftly is essential. High fertility maternal rams play a pivotal role with shorter breeding intervals. These rams reduce the time between lambing seasons. More Lambs Per Annum: Ewes conceive sooner, leading to more lambs per year. Their genetics favour multiple births. More lambs mean faster flock replenishment. Healthy Lambs: High fertility rams produce robust lambs, increasing survival rates. A Numbers Game: As management has moved to capture the opportunity that higher fertility ewes possess our industry leading maternal lines place most producers in the best position to rebuild flocks cost effectively. As droughts test our resolve, ProBreed Rams stand strong. Whether it's the Maternal, Plus, or Terminal line, their genetics empower breeders to rebuild with confidence. Let's celebrate our high fertility maternal rams, rebuilding our flocks, one lamb at a time. #ProBreedRams #FlockResilience #SheepIndustry

A long term client Gordon Brown at Shelford has three outstanding Preg Tested in Lamb lots on offer in Auction on Tuesday 11 June 2024 on Auctionsplus Tue, 11 June 2024 2:00 PM (SYD, NSW) AEST Lot 721 262 Ewes Lot 722 367 Ewes Lot 723 179 Ewes The Ewes are Maternal Merino X ewes joined to Terminal rams. HEAR FROM THE BREEDER HIMSELF Gordon speaks candidly on his experience with Probreed to deliver quality sheep

It's that time of the year again with the BestWool / BestLamb and BetterBeef Conference being held at a new venue in Ballarat on 19th June 2024. There will be some great tips and tools for navigating the winter ahead. Check out the flyer attached. Conference Enquires through Agriculture Victoria: Lyndon Kubeil   ~ phone ‭0418 532 085 lyndon.kubeil@agriculture.vic.gov.au Hear from Mark Ferguson from NeXtgen Agri chat with Jamie Ramage from ProBreed in the Head Shepherd podcast at probreed.com.au/media

We have 92 empty Probreed Plus ewes for sale through a valued customer at $170 per head.   52 x Blue Tag, 2023 drop, 51.2kg average. 20 x Red Tag, 2022 drop, 59.7kg average. 20 x Yellow Tag, 2021 drop, 66kg average. All ewes are twin born, high growth rate, and joined as ewe lambs. More information on the Probreed Plus breed can be found here. Enquires through ProBreed Pty Ltd. Jamie Ramage ~ phone ‭0417 511 223 sales@probreed.com.au Direct Enquiries with Breeder: Mark Biaser ~ phone ‭0412 684 616‬ Farm located west of Geelong

ProBreed Plus is the ideal breed type for producers who want to optimise their prime lamb production, by balancing growth, carcase and wool traits.  ProBreed Plus sires are selected for high post-weaning weight, eye muscle depth and fat depth ASBVs, as well as moderate yearling clean fleece weight and fibre diameter ASBVs.  They are also selected for low worm egg count and high worm resistance ASBVs, to improve the health and resilience of their progeny.  ProBreed Plus sires are suitable for mating with Merino or crossbred ewes, to produce high-quality prime lambs or dual-purpose sheep. Prime lamb production is a profitable and rewarding enterprise, but it also involves some risks, such as market volatility, climate variability, disease outbreaks and predation.  To reduce these risks, producers need to adopt strategies that can improve their flock productivity, profitability and sustainability.  One of these strategies is to use genetics that can enhance the performance and resilience of their sheep.  ProBreed Plus sires are selected for traits that can reduce production risk in prime lamb enterprises, such as growth, carcase, wool and worm resistance.  These traits can improve the income and efficiency of the enterprise, as well as the health and welfare of the sheep.  By using ProBreed Plus sires, you can produce lambs that have higher growth rates, better carcase attributes, finer and heavier fleeces, and lower worm burdens, compared to other sires.  These lambs can also cope better with adverse conditions, such as drought, heat stress, parasites and diseases.  Carcase quality and value are important factors for prime lamb production, as they determine the price and demand for the product. Carcase quality and value are influenced by several traits, such as weight, yield, fatness, muscling, tenderness.  These traits can be measured by objective and subjective methods, such as carcase grading, ultrasound scanning, meat quality testing and consumer feedback.  ProBreed Plus sires are selected for high eye muscle depth (EMD) and fat depth (FAT) ASBVs, which are indicators of carcase quality and value.  Fat depth is a measure of the amount and distribution of subcutaneous fat, which affects the yield, appearance and eating quality of lamb.  By using ProBreed Plus sires, you can produce lambs that have higher eye muscle depth and fat depth, compared to other sires. These lambs can have higher carcase weights, yields, grades and prices, as well as better meat tenderness, juiciness and flavour.

ProBreed Terminal is the ideal breed type for producers who want to maximise their carcase yield and quality, by focusing on growth and muscling traits.  ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high post-weaning weight, eye muscle depth and intramuscular fat ASBVs, as well as low birth weight and high survival ASBVs.  They are also selected for high lean meat yield and dressing percentage, to increase the value of their progeny.  ProBreed Terminal sires are suitable for mating with crossbred ewes, to produce premium prime lambs for domestic and export markets. Post-weaning weight is the weight of a lamb at 200 days of age, adjusted for age, sex and management.  It is a key trait for lamb growth and profitability, as it reflects the genetic potential of a lamb to grow from weaning to slaughter. Post-weaning weight is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as sire, dam, nutrition, health and management.  ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high post-weaning weight (PWT) ASBV, which means that they have the genetic potential to produce lambs that grow faster and heavier from weaning to slaughter, compared to other sires.  By using ProBreed Terminal sires, you can increase your lamb growth rate, turn-off weight and profitability.  You can also reduce your feed costs, labour costs and time to market, as you can finish your lambs earlier and more efficiently. Intramuscular fat is the fat that is deposited within the muscle fibres, also known as marbling.  It is a key trait for lamb eating quality and demand, as it affects the tenderness, juiciness, flavour and appearance of lamb.  Intramuscular fat is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as breed, sire, dam, nutrition, health and management.  ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high intramuscular fat (IMF) ASBV, which means that they have the genetic potential to produce lambs that have higher levels of marbling, compared to other sires.  By using ProBreed Terminal sires, you can improve your lamb eating quality and demand. You can also access premium markets and prices, as you can meet the specifications and expectations of discerning consumers and customers.