In this episode of the Farms Advice podcast, host Jack interviews Sally Martin about the Optimizing New Lamb Joining Outcomes project. They discuss the use of mate cell for ram breeding, the role of genomics in sheep breeding, and the busy times in the sheep industry. They also talk about an upcoming field day for the project and the questions that led to its creation. Sally explains the variables and measurements involved in the project, including teaser rams and ram health. They discuss the importance of timing and nutrition in joining ewe lambs and the benefits of using EID tags for improved management decisions.

Takeaways

• Mate cell technology allows for accurate prediction of breeding outcomes before rams and ewes are joined.
• The Optimizing New Lamb Joining Outcomes project aims to provide a framework for decision-making in joining ewe lambs.
• Timing, nutrition, and ram health are crucial factors in successful joining of ewe lambs.
• EID tags can provide valuable information for individual animal management and decision-making.

00:54 Using Mate Cell for Ram Breeding

02:09 Genomics and Sheep Breeding

03:01 Busy Times in the Sheep Industry

03:20 Field Day and the Optimizing New Lamb Joining Outcomes Project

04:06 Starting the Project and Addressing Producer Questions

06:12 Variables and Measurements in the Project

08:21 Following Ewe Lambs as Adults

09:15 Joining Strategies and Timing

10:09 Teaser Rams and Ram Health

12:27 Considering Seasonality and Labor Opportunities

14:13 Selecting Rams for Young Ewes

16:42 Preparing Rams for Joining

17:44 Joining Frequency and Timing

20:04 Managing Feed and Nutrition for Optimal Joining

22:59 Classing Ewe Lambs for Joining

23:37 Using EID Tags to Improve Management Decisions

26:31 Field Day Agenda and Demonstrations

29:06 Key Performance Indicators and Project Goals

30:29 Preparing for Mandatory EID Tagging

35:00 Wrap-up and Advice for Joining Ewe Lambs

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