Problems may arise following the increasing number of producers lambing in droughtlots, according to NSW Department of Primary Industries sheep and wool extension officer Geoff Duddy at Yanco.

“Droughtlots introduce a certain amount of risk for lambing ewes and producers are advised to take caution and seek advice if unsure,” he said.

“The biggest problem is the mismothering of lambs as well as other issues including grain poisoning (acidosis).

“We are asking producers to be aware of this problem as we start to head into the autumn/winter lambing season across southern end of the State.

“There are fewer issues with mismothering when lambing single- bearing ewes in feedlot situations, but when it comes to twins it would be preferable for them to be in a larger area such as a small paddock.”

Mr Duddy said people who are planning to droughtlot ewes should scan for litter size and separate single- and twin-bearing ewes at least four weeks prior to lambing.

For twin-bearing ewes, he also recommended the use of self feeders so as to minimise disruptions to the lambing ewes when providing grain or pellet based supplements.

Mark Pickford, a producer from the Cumnock area who lambed in a feedlot on his property ‘Bellview’ in 2005, said he was happy with the lambing results (76 per cent lambs marked) as he felt that he would have marked less had he left the ewes in a paddock.

He said if he was to feedlot again he would definitely scan for litter size and remove twins from the feedlot.

He made his decision after attending a drought strategy day.

“The information we received there made me realise that there was an option to protect ground cover while still maintaining production,” he said.

Mr Pickford said farmers should also be very wary of foxes while lambing in feedlots.

“One night we spotted 13 foxes waiting around the feedlot – it was a bit like a smorgasbord,” he said.

Mr Duddy also urged producers to carefully monitor the quantity and quality of feed provided to pregnant ewes.

“Many producers may not realise that they are not meeting a pregnant or lactating ewe’s requirements.

“This frequently leads to ewes entering lambing in sub-optimal body condition and the likelihood of increased lamb deaths due to mismothering or abandonment,” he said.

Calving cows in droughtlots is generally not recommended.

Calving can be conducted in confined or sacrifice areas.

Calves can be effectively yard weaned and then moved to a feedlot to maximise growth rates during a drought.

For further information producers should refer to the NSW DPI extension officers in their region.

Contact Geoff Duddy, Yanco, (02) 6951 2688, geoff.duddy@dpi.nsw.gov.au