With prices on the up and supply tightening in the eastern states and Western Australia, the demand for quality lambs heading into spring 2024 is expected to be strong.1
These improved market conditions highlight the importance of optimising ewe fertility, fecundity and lamb survival.
The Target Sheep Repro Program developed by Virbac can deliver unparalleled results by helping improve productivity, fertility, and fecundity through a dual mode of action.
The use of Ovastim and Multimin work together to increase the number of eggs released and available for fertilisation, as well as general embryo survival and healthier lambs.
- Ovastim - a reproductive vaccine that increases the number of eggs released per cycle and available for fertilisation, resulting in increased lambing rates by an average of 23 per cent (pc).2
- Multimin for Sheep - a trace mineral injection containing copper, selenium, zinc and manganese that improves embryo survival and ewe and lamb health. A recent Victorian study showed that Multimin Plus Copper Injection for Sheep increased marking percentages by an average of 9pc and increased weaning weights by an average of 2.3 kilograms. Across the properties measured, this represented an additional $23 in value per ewe, which equates to a 6:1 return on investment.3
A recent study conducted in Tasmania in high-producing composite ewes showed that ewes treated with the complete Target Sheep Repro Program scanned 17 pc more foetuses than not-treated ewes.4
Caption: Use the guide above to find out when best to use Ovastim or Multimin in your Target Repro Program for maximum benefits.
The Target Sheep Repro Program continues to gain traction in 2024 with many producers adopting the program over the recent years. Experts in the field agree that the Target Sheep Repro Program can yield impressive benefits for progressive producers.
“It was no surprise that the use of Ovastim was likely to be massively profitable. Using Ovastim in a typical prime lamb flock may result in a profit of about $18 per ewe in today’s market. Using Multimin and Ovastim represents a sensational profit-booster for Merino and Prime Lamb enterprises.” - Dr Graham Lean, Principal Consultant, Agrivet Business Consulting.
“We're starting to see a lot of interest in the Target Repro program in New South Wales as a tool to take reproductive performance of ewes to another level, when we've got a strong base level of management, we're seeing very strong and consistent results in these environments” - Dr Tim Gole, Sheep Veterinarian, For Flocks Sake
The benefits of Multimin for Sheep as part of the Target Sheep Repro Program are becoming clearer, and farmers are experiencing the benefits in their production systems.
“We treated our ewes with Multimin Plus Copper Injection for Sheep before joining and before lambing and our marking percentages improved by 16 pc and lambs averaged 5.3 kgs heavier”. - Chris Bruty Beaufort, Victoria.
“At lamb marking our merino ewes treated with Multimin Plus Copper Injection for Sheep had wonderful results with a 16pc icncrease in marking rate “ said Will Osmond of Dunkeld, Victoria.
While Tim Lawrence, from New South Wales said “I can confidently say Multimin has a positive impact on conception rates. I enjoy going to jobs where the farmer has used Multimin in their ewes pre-joining, it really is a no brainer in my experience.”
“These two products are a fantastic combination because they complement each other really well.” stated Dr Paula Gonzalez-Rivas, nutritionist and technical services veterinarian at Virbac.
“While Ovastim increases the number of eggs per ovulation cycle increasing the chance of twins, Multimin can improve the antioxidant status and the immune system, helping to protect those embryos, ensuring they make it to term and result in the birth of healthy lambs from healthy ewes."
This article was written by Virbac for Seasons magazine.
Please note: this article contains information of a general nature, and does not take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided, and seek advice on whether it is fit for your circumstances.
References:
1. https://www.sheepcentral.com/lamb-prices-lift-as-quality-supplies-tighten-nationally/
2. Geldard, H. et al. (1984). Immunisation of ewes with polyandroalbumin to improve fecundity. Aust. Vet. J. 61(4):130-2.
3. Gonzalez-Rivas, P.A.; Lean, G.R.; Chambers, M.; Liu, J. A (2023) Trace Mineral Injection before Joining and Lambing Increases Marking Percentages and Lamb Weights on Diverse Farms in Victoria, Australia. Animals, 13, 178.
4. Cox, G et al (2023), The effect of polyandroalbumin vaccination and an injectable trace mineral top-up pre-mating and pre-lambing on scanning rates in high performing composite ewes. ISVC 2023, Animal - Science Proceedings 14. 208–281.
Benefits outlined in scientific trials and testimonials are not necessarily registered label claims. Multimin® and Ovastim® are registered trademarks of Virbac. Multimin can be administered concurrently with other animal health products. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
DO NOT MIX products with Multimin in the same syringe prior to administration. Always inject high on the neck, multiple injections should preferably be given on different sides of the neck, according to product label instructions.
