Shelter for lambing sheep in New Zealand: A review

Pollard, J.C.

doi:10.1080/00288233.2006.9513730

Cited by 46 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…In a study with Corriedale lambs by Obst and Day (1968), the mortality rate was 461 reported to only be increased with winds above 16 km/hr in the absence of rain, although rain of 5 mm or more 462 per day in the absence of wind increased mortality. Other studies that have also found no benefit of shelter to 463 lamb survival where the mean wind speed was low (Egan et al 1976) or weather conditions were mild (Pollard 464 and Littlejohn 1999;Pollard 2006). Egan et al (1972) found that the benefit of shelter in their study was solely 465 due to a reduction in deaths during a five-day period of poor weather.…”

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confidence: 83%

“…Provision of shelter has reduced mortality rates by up to 50% (McLaughlin et al 1970;Egan 65 et al 1972;Egan et al 1976;Lynch and Alexander 1976;Alexander et al 1980). It is more effective in twins 66 than singles and in windy compared with cold or wet weather (Pollard 2006). However, in more severe weather 67 the benefit to twins may be reduced (Watson et al 1968;Alexander et al 1980;Nowak 1996).…”

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“…80 81 Cypress hedges (Egan et al 1972), trees (Obst and Day 1968;Obst and Ellis 1977), grass hedgerows (Egan et 82 al. 1976;Lynch and Alexander 1976;Alexander et al 1979;Alexander et al 1980) and a range of artificial 83 shelters have been tested (Pollard 2006). A survey in Western Australia (Elliott et al 2011) showed that 84 producers are aware that shelter in the form of existing bushland or standing crop can potentially increase lamb 85 survival, but are receptive to new strategies providing they have relevance to commercial conditions.…”

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Survival of twin lambs is increased with shrub belts

Robertson¹,

Friend²,

Broster³

et al. 2011

Anim. Prod. Sci.

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Perinatal lamb mortality is a major source of reproductive loss, particularly for twins. A study was conducted to determine whether provision of shelter in the form of shrub belts (a 'maternity ward') could increase survival of twin lambs compared with hedgerows, and whether hedgerows improve survival of single lambs compared with unsheltered paddocks. Measurements were recorded for Merino x Poll Dorset cross twin lambs born in hedgerows (phalaris or hessian) or shrub belts and single lambs born in hedgerows or unsheltered paddocks over the years 2007 to 2009. Records for 382 single and 726 twin lambs were used. The survival of single lambs was not increased (P=0.06) by hedgerow shelter. The survival of twin lambs in shrubs was 10% higher (P<0.05) than in hessian hedgerow shelter in 2008 to 2009 (0.77 cv 0.70), associated with a reduction in deaths from starvation/mismothering/exposure. The hessian shelter was associated with an increased (P<0.05) growth rate to weaning of single lambs, but the growth rates of twin lambs were lower (P<0.05) in shrub compared with hessian shelter. In 2010 a second study of 178 twin Merino x Poll Dorset cross lambs found that survival of lambs born alive was not improved by shrubs compared with unsheltered paddocks (0.80 vs 0.77; P>0.05). It is concluded that shrub belts which forced twin-bearing ewes to lamb in a sheltered environment reduced perinatal mortality in one of three data sets, but was not repeated. The shrubs take time to establish, and the benefit will be small if weather is mild during lambing. Abstract 14 Perinatal lamb mortality is a major source of reproductive loss, particularly for twins. A study was conducted to 15 determine whether provision of shelter in the form of shrub belts (a 'maternity ward') could increase survival of 16 twin lambs compared with hedgerows, and whether hedgerows improve survival of single lambs compared with 17 unsheltered paddocks. Measurements were recorded for Merino x Poll Dorset cross twin lambs born in 18 hedgerows (phalaris or hessian) or shrub belts and single lambs born in hedgerows or unsheltered paddocks over 19 the years 2007 to 2009. Records for 382 single and 726 twin lambs were used. The survival of single lambs 20 was not increased (P=0.06) by hedgerow shelter. The survival of twin lambs in shrubs was 10% higher 21 (P<0.05) than in hessian hedgerow shelter in 2008 to 2009 (0.77 cv 0.70), associated with a reduction in deaths 22 from starvation/mismothering/exposure. The hessian shelter was associated with an increased (P<0.05) growth 23 rate to weaning of single lambs, but the growth rates of twin lambs were lower (P<0.05) in shrub compared with 24 hessian shelter. In 2010 a second study of 178 twin Merino x Poll Dorset cross lambs found that survival of 25 lambs born alive was not improved by shrubs compared with unsheltered paddocks (0.80 vs 0.77; P>0.05). It is 26concluded that shrub belts which forced twin-bearing ewes to lamb in a sheltered environment reduced perinatal 27 mortality in one of three data ...

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Survival of twin lambs is increased with shrub belts

Robertson¹,

Friend²,

Broster³

et al. 2011

Anim. Prod. Sci.

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“…Although heat loss and heat production can be influenced by birthweight, lambs can also be protected by provision of shelter, particularly those that are born outdoors, to limit the impact of evaporative heat loss. Research has investigated the impact of type and placement of different shelters in lambing paddocks (Pollard, 2006;and see Supplementary Material), but the factors determining birth-site selection by ewes, and thus the likelihood of births occurring in shelter, has not received much attention. Familiarity with the terrain, such as may be achieved with set stocking, influences shelter use, which suggests that permanent structures, or temporary features that are introduced well before lambing, may increase their use.…”

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confidence: 99%

Invited review: Improving neonatal survival in small ruminants: science into practice

Dwyer

Conington

Corbière

et al. 2016

Animal

169

104

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Neonatal mortality in small ruminant livestock has remained stubbornly unchanging over the past 40 years, and represents a significant loss of farm income, contributes to wastage and affects animal welfare. Scientific knowledge about the biology of neonatal adaptation after birth has been accumulating but does not appear to have had an impact in improving survival. In this paper, we ask what might be the reasons for the lack of impact of the scientific studies of lamb and kid mortality, and suggest strategies to move forward. Biologically, it is clear that achieving a good intake of colostrum, as soon as possible after birth, is crucial for neonatal survival. This provides fuel for thermoregulation, passive immunological protection and is involved in the development of attachment between the ewe and lamb. The behaviour of the lamb in finding the udder and sucking rapidly after birth is a key component in ensuring sufficient colostrum is ingested. In experimental studies, the main risk factors for lamb mortality are low birthweight, particularly owing to poor maternal nutrition during gestation, birth difficulty, litter size and genetics, which can all be partly attributed to their effect on the speed with which the lamb reaches the udder and sucks. Similarly, on commercial farms, low birthweight and issues with sucking were identified as important contributors to mortality. In epidemiological studies, management factors such as providing assistance with difficult births, were found to be more important than risk factors associated with housing. Social science studies suggest that farmers generally have a positive attitude to improving neonatal mortality but may differ in beliefs about how this can be achieved, with some farmers believing they had no control over early lamb mortality. Facilitative approaches, where farmers and advisors work together to develop neonatal survival strategies, have been shown to be effective in achieving management goals, such as optimising ewe nutrition, that lead to reductions in lamb mortality. We conclude that scientific research is providing useful information on the biology underpinning neonatal survival, such as optimal birthweights, lamb vigour and understanding the importance of sufficient colostrum intake, but the transfer of that knowledge would benefit from an improved understanding of the psychology of management change on farm. Developing tailored solutions, on the basis of adequate farm records, that make use of the now substantial body of scientific literature on neonatal mortality will help to achieve lower neonatal mortality.Keywords: neonatal mortality, sheep, goat, knowledge transfer ImplicationsResearch into neonatal mortality of small ruminants has addressed relevant biological issues and provided practical solutions to some of the issues (such as improving ewe nutrition and ensuring adequate colostrum intakes). There is, however, more that could be done in transferring this information into practice, and application of social science methods to address barriers...

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“…Pollard 2006). Windbreaks may also have negative interactions with livestock for 94 example, adverse interactions via poisoning or harbouring pests, although the majority of 95 negative interactions can be minimised through tree choice and windbreak design…”

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confidence: 99%