An alternative hogget-two tooth shearing policy for summer-dry
regions in New Zealand
W.J. Parker
Department of Agricultural and Horticultural Systems Management,
Massey University, Palmerston North
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1989, 49: 291-296
The policy on most New Zealand sheep farms is to pre-tup shear
two tooths in late February/early March two to four weeks prior to
mating. However, in summer-dry regions, where feed supplies are
typically low in late summer, this practice may potentially depress two
tooth performance because post-shearing increases in feed requirements
cannot be met. An alternative hogget-four tooth shearing arrangement
which does away with late summer/autumn two tooth shearing has therefore
been investigated at Massey University's "Riverside" sheep farm in the
Wairarapa; a farm prone to summer droughts. In trials over three years
the alternative shearing arrangement was found not to disadvantage ewe
liveweight gains, fertility, wool production or financial returns. In
addition to reducing autumn feed requirements, earlier objective
selection of flock replacements and hogget mating are potential benefits
of the alternative shearing programme. A slightly poorer spring
cashflow results but otherwise management requirements are similar.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Shearing; two tooth; live weight; wool production; wool income
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Last Updated 18-03-1997
