Animal Production Science
Volume 65
Number 13 2025
A high reproduction rate in ewes depends on successful conception, giving birth to multiples and successfully rearing them to weaning. Genetic selection is often based on the sum of these components by counting the number of lambs weaned. This study shows that this approach can be viable, but argues for the use of the individual components, so that a measure of lamb mortality is directly defined.
Reproductive seasonality in small ruminants significantly influences fertility rates and farm profitability, especially in tropical and subtropical climates. This study examined seasonal variations in reproductive traits of ram, showing critical patterns that affect their breeding efficiency. By identifying peak fertile periods and potential reproductive challenges, the findings offer actionable insights for farmers to optimize breeding strategies and enhance overall productivity.
Milking order on pasture-based dairy farms is consistent within herds and can negatively affect the quantity and nutritive characteristics of the pasture available to cows that return to the paddock later. This, in turn, influences grazing behaviour and milk production. This research highlights that cows that arrive back to the paddock later spent less time ruminating and had lower milk yields than early-milked cows, resulting in lower farm profit. Quantifying these data allows for future research investigating potential mitigation strategies.
Studies on farm workplace practices often focus on qualitative rather than quantitative measures of change. We developed methodologies to measure changes in sleep, wellbeing and health among farmers implementing different milking schedules, and provide insights to aid in the future assessment of farm workplace changes. Results from this study provide unique quantitative measures of farmer sleep patterns and wellbeing factors, as well as an example of the methodologies that can be applied in evaluating farm workplace initiatives or interventions.
This article belongs to the collection: Australasian Dairy Science Symposium 2024.
This study evaluated the impact of offering supplementary concentrate feed at 4 kg DM per day to early-lactation cows consuming spring pasture. Supplementation increased dry-matter intake and milk solids, with a tendency for 5% higher daily methane emissions, but no reduction in methane yield or intensity. The role of supplementary feed in GHG mitigation requires further evaluation across diets, feed types and amounts, and whole-farm emissions and profitability.
This article belongs to the collection: Australasian Dairy Science Symposium 2024.
, A. A. Swan 
