Economic benefits of increased ewe survival

This project aims to identify economically viable methods to reduce ewe losses in New Zealand flocks.

image of sheep and lamb on hill

Background

Ewe losses, especially during lambing, are a major source of economic cost for sheep farmers. Research from Massey and Lincoln Universities in 2021 revealed that ewe losses can range from 2.2% to 16% annually, with two-thirds of these losses occurring during lambing, also resulting in lamb losses. 

This project aims to quantify the economic costs due to ewe losses using real-world farm data, helping farmers identify economically viable methods to reduce ewe losses in their flocks. 

How will this be achieved?

An established bio-economic model that can simulate the interaction between biological and economic factors on-farms will be used to accurately project changes in profitability due to variations in sheep flock dynamics, such as ewe losses.

Expected benefits to farmers

  • Increased productivity and profitability: Economically viable strategies to reduce ewe losses will result in increased ewe longevity, higher lambing percentages, lower replacement costs and greater revenue from lambs.
  • Educational resources: Development of resources that provide farmers with practical advice on cost-effective strategies to mitigate ewe losses.

B+LNZ Project Lead

Mhairi Sutherland, Senior Scientist – Animal Health and Welfare Research.

Farmer involvement

Data was collected from 20 farms (North and South Island).

Provider

Anne Ridler, Massey University

Expected end date

April 2025.