Loading...
Determining the Impact of Hogget Breeding Performance on Profitability under a Fixed Feed Supply Scenario in New Zealand
J. Farrell, Lydia R. Kenyon, Paul R. Tozer, Peter T. Morris, Stephen
J. Farrell, Lydia
R. Kenyon, Paul
R. Tozer, Peter
T. Morris, Stephen
Citations
Altmetric:
Date
2021-04-30
Collections
Files
Loading...
main article
Adobe PDF, 991.36 KB
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Farrell, L.J.; Kenyon, P.R.; Tozer, P.R.; Morris, S.T. Determining the Impact of Hogget Breeding Performance on Profitability under a Fixed Feed Supply Scenario in New Zealand. Animals 2021, 11, 1303. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051303
Abstract
Hoggets (ewe lambs aged 4 to 16 months) can be bred from approximately 8 months of age
for potentially increased flock production and profit, however most New Zealand hoggets are not
presented for breeding and their reproductive success is highly variable. Bio-economic modelling
was used to analyse flock productivity and profit in four sets of scenarios for ewe flocks with varying
mature ewe (FWR) and hogget (HWR) weaning rate combinations. Firstly, hogget breeding was
identified to become profitable when break-even HWRs of 26% and 28% were achieved for flocks
with FWRs of 135% and 150%, respectively. Secondly, relatively smaller improvements in FWR
were identified to increase profit to the same level as larger improvements in HWR. Thirdly, a high
performing flock with FWR and HWR both ≥ the 90th percentile currently achieved commercially,
was the most profitable flock modelled. Fourthly, a FWR was identified with which a farmer not
wishing to breed hoggets could have the same profit as a farmer with a flock achieving current
industry average FWR and HWR. Overall, the relative profit levels achieved by the modelled flocks
suggest that more farmers should consider breeding their hoggets, though improvements in FWRs
should be prioritised.