Altering lamb supply: a case study of late lambing in Southern New Zealand to meet market specifications

Coopworth ewes in a farm system study mated from 21 June had a lambing percentage (lambs weaned/ ewe mated) of 126% in Southland New Zealand (lat 46o 12'S), 13% lower than the farm September lambing average of 139%. Total farm production records showed that 221 kg/ha of lamb meat and 127 kg/ha of wool were produced. Pasture production was 15800 kg DM/ha, while 58% of the farm area was used for silage making in late October. Extra inputs required included fertiliser where silage was made, labour for silage feeding in winter, the costs of silage making and feeding out, concentrate feeds during winter, and extra shearing costs. Savings were made in crutching costs and labour costs at lambing due to lambing ease. November lambing systems provide the opportunity to produce heavyweight lambs for slaughter at 9 to 11 months of age but price structures need to account for the increased production costs. Keywords: Coopworth, farm systems, November lambing, pasture production