Improving triplet lamb survival: management practices used by commercial farmers.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Prolificacy has become an important breeding goal in sheep farming to increase farm profitability. With the adoption of improved genetics and management practices leading to increased lambing percentages, the proportion of triplet-born lambs has also increased on farms. However, mortality rates of triplet lambs are higher than for single- and twin-born lambs, and additional management inputs may be needed to support survival. The aim of this study was to identify factors that affect management practices that are considered important for triplet lamb survival by commercial farmers from the United Kingdom (UK), the Ireland (IRE), and New Zealand (NZ).

Methods

An online survey was developed and disseminated to farmers in each country, focusing on farmer demographic

SUBMITTER: Erichsen C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11319296 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature