A comparison of current productivity and performance of merino and crossbred ewe flocks in intensive Canterbury sheep systems: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours at Lincoln University

Abstract

A survey of 11 Mid Canterbury farmers was under taken in August 1994. This was to establish current trends in management practises and performance of Merino ewe flocks in Canterbury. Comparisons were drawn between the performance, productivity and management implications involved in running a Merino ewe flock as opposed to a Crossbred ewe flock. Emphasis was placed on: The effect of differing aspects of animal health between the two breeds. Comparisons in reproductive performance and reasons for the differences. Farmer opinion of aspects effecting the management of the Merino enterprise. Varying levels of income due to different prices received for Crossbred and Merino wool. From the formal survey conducted it was found that Merino lambing performance is substantially lower than that of Crossbreds in intensive Canterbury sheep farms, 83 % for Merinos compared with 118% for Crossbreds. Merino animal health costs were also much higher and the amount of labour needed in the Merino flock was greater. Merinos were found to have some advantages such as, imposing less pressure on pastures through grazing, lower feed demands at the end of winter to lower reproductive status, Higher dry stock carried through the winter reducing the risk of Autumn droughts. The Merino ewe flock was found to have a 27% advantage per stock unit over the Crossbred ewe flock under prices for late 1994. a sensitivity analysis found that the profitability of a Merino ewe flock may be less than a high producing crossbred ewe flock at price ratios less than 1: 1.6