Abstract:
Mating of ewe lambs has not been a widely adopted practice by prime lamb producers in Australia, although Godlee and Scarlett (1968) and Dyrmundsson (1973) indicated that the practice can be successful. Cost pressures and recognition of the possible genetic consequences of the traditional system are forcing consideration of a change in maternal aspects of prime lamb production systems. Earlier mating is an option for producers who wish to rear their own ewes, or want to reduce the outlay for replacement ewes.