Efficiency in Lamb Breeding: A ProBreed Perspective In 2024, the processing sector has shown a keen interest in heavier lambs. However, at ProBreed, we firmly believe that efficiency remains the cornerstone of successful lamb production. Let's delve into how ProBreed's approach aligns with this philosophy.   1. The Pursuit of Efficiency Efficiency is multifaceted. It encompasses not only the number of lambs produced but also their growth rate and overall health. As a producer, it's essential to strike a balance between size and efficiency. While larger lambs may seem appealing, their rapid growth and feed consumed can sometimes come at the expense of long-term productivity. THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY REVIEW To support our commitment to efficiency, we draw insights from the literature review titled Improving the on-farm energetic efficiency of the Australian lamb industry . Conducted by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), this review explores key factors influencing energy utilisation in lamb production. Here are some highlights: Energy Conversion and Utilisation Understanding energy partitioning—gross energy, digestible energy, metabolisable energy, and net energy—is crucial. Factors like feed quality, photoperiod, temperature, and humidity impact energy utilisation. Animal Factors and Genetics Sex, birth type, and temperament influence efficiency. Genotype matters too—high growth potential, muscling potential, and back fat potential play a role. Maternal genetics also affect lamb performance. Growth Trajectory and Body Composition Steady, balanced growth is essential for efficiency. Monitoring fat score and body composition helps maintain optimal lamb development. Prenatal Influences Maternal nutrition and stress during gestation impact lamb efficiency. 2. Grass-Fed Growth in the First 100 Days The critical early period—those first 100 days—sets the foundation for lamb development. ProBreed focuses on sires that excel in grass-fed environments. Our rams are carefully selected based on their ability to thrive on natural pasture, efficiently converting it into healthy lamb growth. Sustainability is at the core of our practices, ensuring robust lambs without compromising efficiency. 3. ProBreed's Commitment to the Australian Lamb Industry Remember that ProBreed supplies rams to the Australian lamb industry. Our dedication to efficiency extends beyond individual producers—it contributes to the industry's overall success. By prioritising efficient breeding practices, we collectively enhance lamb production across the nation. 4. Stay Focussed As a producer, it's tempting to be seduced by the allure of bigger lambs. However, we encourage you to stay focused on efficiency. Consider the long-term benefits of well-balanced growth and sustainable practices. ProBreed stands by your side, providing support and guidance on this rewarding journey. At ProBreed, we refuse mediocrity and embrace a growth mindset. Prioritise efficiency—it's the key to sustainable success! 🐑💡  Upcoming Ram Sale ProBreed rams available for private selection, by appointment, from Wednesday 9 October 2024.

In the quest for excellence within the Australian Lamb Industry, the role of genetics cannot be overstated. At the forefront of this genetic evolution are Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs), a set of predictive tools that are reshaping how we understand and select ram genetics for a sustainable and profitable future. ASBVs provide a comprehensive prediction of an animal’s genetic merit for a range of economically important traits .   These traits encompass growth, carcass and eating quality, wool characteristics, reproduction, health, and welfare traits. By evaluating these traits, ASBVs offer a glimpse into the potential performance of an animal’s progeny, based on the genetic legacy they inherit. Unlike Flock Breeding Values (FBVs), which are limited to comparisons within a single flock, ASBVs are comparable across different flocks.  This universality allows for a broader, more accurate assessment of genetic merit, facilitating better-informed selection decisions across the industry. The process of estimating ASBVs involves a meticulous analysis of data, pedigree, and genomic information collected by Sheep Genetics members.  This data-driven approach ensures that the breeding values reflect a true genetic potential, rather than being influenced by environmental factors. Indexes, which combine multiple production traits into a single, weighted figure, further streamline the selection process.  By ranking animals based on these indexes, breeders can quickly identify the best candidates for their specific production goals, ensuring balanced genetic progress. ProBreed’s commitment to utilising ASBVs in ram selection exemplifies the innovative spirit driving the Australian Lamb Industry forward.  By embracing these advanced genetic tools, ProBreed is not only enhancing the quality and performance of their rams but also contributing to the industry’s overarching goal of producing high-quality, sustainable lamb products for the world. For more insights into the transformative impact of ASBVs on ram genetics and the Australian Lamb Industry, stay tuned to upcoming articles at probreed.com.au/blog where we will delve deeper into each trait and the science behind genetic selection. x

ProBreed rams available for private selection, by appointment, from Wednesday 9 October 2024. Sheep Breeding is a complex and challenging activity that requires planning, management and evaluation.   ProBreed offers a range of breed types that are designed to suit different production systems and market requirements.  Whether you are looking for maternal, dual-purpose or terminal sires, ProBreed has the right solution for you.   1. ProBreed Maternal Highly productive Maternal sheep MA Scanning 200-220% MA Weaning 175-190% Survival 80-94% Moderate Adult Weight 62-70kg 2. ProBreed Plus Multi-Purpose sheep scanning 190%+ Hogget Micron 21-23 MA Micron 25 MA Weaning 167%+ Moderate Adult Weight 62-70kg 3. ProBreed Terminal Survival Focus  MEQ Carcase Fast 100 Day Growth Paired to match ‘Maternals’ There are many factors that influence the performance, health and profitability of your flock, such as genetics, nutrition, health, environment and market conditions. To help you achieve your breeding goals, you need a reliable and trusted partner that can provide you with the best genetics, advice and support. Contact Jamie Ramage to discuss your needs and arrange an inspection

ProBreed Terminal is the ideal breed type for producers who want to maximise their carcase yield and quality, by focusing on growth and muscling traits.  ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high post-weaning weight, eye muscle depth and intramuscular fat ASBVs, as well as low birth weight and high survival ASBVs.  ProBreed Terminal sires are suitable for mating with crossbred ewes, to produce premium prime lambs for domestic and export markets. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Probreed Terminal. Probreed Terminal. Probreed Terminal. Probreed Terminal. ProBreed Terminal is the ideal breed type for producers who want to maximise their carcase yield and quality, by focusing on growth and muscling traits. ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high post-weaning weight, eye muscle depth and intramuscular fat ASBVs, as well as low birth weight and high survival ASBVs. They are also selected for high lean meat yield and dressing percentage, to increase the value of their progeny. ProBreed Terminal sires are suitable for mating with crossbred ewes, to produce premium prime lambs for domestic and export markets. Post-weaning weight is the weight of a lamb at 200 days of age, adjusted for age, sex and management. It is a key trait for lamb growth and profitability, as it reflects the genetic potential of a lamb to grow from weaning to slaughter. Post-weaning weight is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as sire, dam, nutrition, health and management. ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high post-weaning weight (PWT) ASBV, which means that they have the genetic potential to produce lambs that grow faster and heavier from weaning to slaughter, compared to other sires. By using ProBreed Terminal sires, you can increase your lamb growth rate, turn-off weight and profitability. You can also reduce your feed costs, labour costs and time to market, as you can finish your lambs earlier and more efficiently. Intramuscular fat is the fat that is deposited within the muscle fibres, also known as marbling. It is a key trait for lamb eating quality and demand, as it affects the tenderness, juiciness, flavour and appearance of lamb. Intramuscular fat is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as breed, sire, dam, nutrition, health and management. ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high intramuscular fat (IMF) ASBV, which means that they have the genetic potential to produce lambs that have higher levels of marbling, compared to other sires. By using ProBreed Terminal sires, you can improve your lamb eating quality and demand. You can also access premium markets and prices, as you can meet the specifications and expectations of discerning consumers and customers. Terminal Pricing 10% VOLUME BUY DISCOUNT (4+) Premium Standard Basic Sheep Breeding is a complex and challenging activity that requires planning, management and evaluation. Sheep Breeding is a complex and challenging activity that requires planning, management and evaluation. Sheep Breeding is a complex and challenging activity that requires planning, management and evaluation. Sheep Breeding is a complex and challenging activity that requires planning, management and evaluation. There are many factors that influence the performance, health and profitability of your flock, such as genetics, nutrition, health, environment and market conditions. To help you achieve your breeding goals, you need a reliable and trusted partner that can provide you with the best genetics, advice and support. That partner is ProBreed, the leading sheep breeding company in Australia. ProBreed offers a range of breed types that are designed to suit different production systems and market requirements. Whether you are looking for maternal, dual-purpose or terminal sires, ProBreed has the right solution for you. Probreed Maternal Probreed Terminal Probreed Plus Blog Posts Contact Us

Why Probreed? Why Probreed? Why Probreed? Why Probreed? David & Pixie Heath, Winchelsea VIC Testimonial. Testimonial. Testimonial. Testimonial. Placeholder Text. Placeholder Text. Placeholder Text. Placeholder Text. ProBreed Maternal is the ideal breed type for producers who want to maximise their lamb production per hectare, by increasing the number of lambs weaned and their growth rate. ProBreed Maternal sires are selected for high maternal efficiency and fertility, as well as high weaning weight and post-weaning weight ASBVs. They are also selected for low birth weight and high survival, to reduce lambing difficulties and losses. ProBreed Maternal sires are suitable for mating with Merino or crossbred ewes, to produce high-quality prime lambs or replacement ewes. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus. Risus quis varius quam quisque id diam vel quam. Nunc mi ipsum faucibus vitae aliquet nec ullamcorper. Arcu vitae elementum curabitur vitae nunc. Mollis nunc sed id semper risus in hendrerit gravida. Eu lobortis elementum nibh tellus. Porttitor massa id neque aliquam vestibulum morbi blandit. Venenatis cras sed felis eget velit aliquet sagittis id consectetur. Dui sapien eget mi proin sed libero enim. Tincidunt lobortis feugiat vivamus at. Feugiat scelerisque varius morbi enim. Eget nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus in massa. Tempor orci dapibus ultrices in iaculis. Nibh nisl condimentum id venenatis a condimentum vitae sapien pellentesque. Ac turpis egestas sed tempus urna et pharetra pharetra massa. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. vs. Average Composite. Probreed Maternal Have a play with our capital gain calculator and explore the benefits of a moderate ewe size. We've based our calculations on the joining of a Terminal ram with a Maternal ewe. If you have any questions or feedback please get in touch. Title $0 Our sheep genetics business came from a desire to challenge traditional farming beliefs by bringing technology, genetics and data to the sheep industry. Our sheep genetics business came from a desire to challenge traditional farming beliefs by bringing technology, genetics and data to the sheep industry. Our sheep genetics business came from a desire to challenge traditional farming beliefs by bringing technology, genetics and data to the sheep industry. Our sheep genetics business came from a desire to challenge traditional farming beliefs by bringing technology, genetics and data to the sheep industry. Genetic gain comes from accurate data. That’s why every lamb has a full pedigree and is measured and assessed for all of the important traits. Our process incorporates the whole farm; where we optimise and adjust every element of our program to maximise performance in relation to your unique requirements and farming environment. Simply put, we don’t rear our sheep, we rear your sheep, and we are so confident in our process that we guarantee you will achieve genetic gain.

Probreed guarantees their rams and lambs at sale: Guaranteed disease free; Guaranteed for first joining or 12 months of age; Guaranteed for structural faults until 12 months of age; Guaranteed fertility. Read our Best Practice Ram Care guide to ensure the most out of your rams. Ram Guarantee. Ram Guarantee. Ram Guarantee. Ram Guarantee. PRODUCT CARE The Gain? Best Practice Ram Care. Best Practice Ram Care. Best Practice Ram Care. Best Practice Ram Care. Prior to Arrival We carry out a comprehensive animal health program before the sale of the ram to you. This includes: All flocks are Accredited free of Brucellosis Annual palpation and blood testing of rams Full vaccination for clostridial diseases All ewes are vaccinated with Camplyobacter Site specific treatments are undertaken with consideration to climate and topography All animals are free from Lice and Footrot All animals are monitored for worm burden and where required treated All animals are vaccinated with Guidair against Ovine Johnes Copies of the Animal Health Summary and Accreditation Certificates are inserted into the back of this guide for your reference and records. On Arrival When you receive your ram, we recommend the following: Check for injury and lameness that may have occurred during transit. If you have any concerns please advise Probreed immediately. Ensure feed and water are available Mix with a socially equal and disease free group of peers. Re-check in three to seven days time for any issues or injuries that may occur while social hierarchy is established. A summary of what your ram was fed prior to arrival is included below. Please consider what your ram has been fed on as the ram will need to be adjusted to your feed base gradually in order to achieve a continued rising plane of nutrition and avoid stomach upset. Pre Mating It takes at least six weeks for viable semen to be produced by the ram. In order to achieve maximum fertility results, we recommend your ram team is fully vaccinated at least two months pre mating, and protected against the following: Ensure your ram team is fully vaccinated for all conditions of local significance (including salmonella and clostridial disease) Fully protected against flystrike Free from lameness Not presented with any sudden feed changes Not challenged by internal parasites - particularly barbers pole. If in doubt, vaccinate. Additional best practise recommendations: No ram in full wool should be put out for joining. Shear your rams between 16 and six weeks pre-mate. Probreed rams are shorn 8 weeks prior to sale. Body condition score (BSC) should start at 2.5 and increase through a rising plane of nutrition to achieve a minimum increase of 0.5 BCS over this time (this works out at 3-4kgs minimum live weight gain). Be aware of the challenge and have a contingency plan in the case of sickness or injury such as staggers, pneumonia/pleurisy, scald, photosensitivity, heat/cold stress, acidosis, dehydration or misadventure. The aforementioned are all possibilities for any sheep introduced to any farming enterprise, and if the challenge is higher than the pre-existing tolerance, the ram may get sick and underperform. Carry out a pre mate health inspection of rams before putting the ram out to ensure all rams are fit, healthy and able to perform their job. During Mating Mate at your selected ram ratio, remembering: We also advise you to useRam ratios can range in general from 1:50, 1:100 + 1. We advise you use local knowledge, history and awareness of geography and topography in particular. If in doubt, or if last year's scanning showed >4% dries and <80% ewes mated in the first cycle, increase to 1:80. Mature or two tooth rams, higher body weight, larger testicle rams will mate more ewes per ram than newly arrived acclimating ram lambs. Use higher mating ratios if you have used teasers, use higher ratio's if the ram team is made up of only ram lambs. Watch for health challenges through mating and act if rams are affected. This may mean adding more rams to joining mobs where rams are affected and potentially treating rams (be careful with any treatments that may negatively impact fertility). Optimum mating is >90% ewes mated in the first cycle resulting in 80+% pregnant. 35 days post mating (from rams being introduced to the ewes) the rams are ready to be removed. Post Mating Post Mating Carry out a second health check on your ram team and address any noted issues. Consider a worm drench for first season young rams and any other low BCS mixed-age rams. Best practice is to conduct a faecal egg count to ascertain if drenching is necessary. In principle, rams should not need drenching if ram ratio's, preparation, management and feed during mating were optimum. Ensure all rams are fed at a level to return to their pre mating body weight over the next six weeks. Scanning + Marking Scanning Scanning occurs at around 6 weeks post ram removal, dependent upon length of joining. Scanning serves as an excellent reminder to conduct another ram health check to ensure weight gain and general health to protect your asset. Scanning to Marking Ram lambs and two tooths (i.e. new first season rams) need to be fed well to achieve acceptable body weights as adults. Aim for live weight gain of 150g/day for ram lambs and 50g/day for two tooths at this time. Post Marking Run another health check and/ or vet check on your ram team including: Physical check-up and general winter BCS evaluation. Mouth and cheek check as the ram team ages and consider replacing any ram >4 years old on the basis of increased genetic merit from new purchases. Routine breeding and soundness check of the testicles, scrotum and pizzle. A vet check is highly recommended, including screening for Ovine Brucellosis. Basic stocktake of how many rams you require for the next breeding season based on genetic improvement and attrition on-farm. Probreed flocks are accredited under the Ovine Brucellosis Free states accreditation programs: Probreed exceeds program requirements by testing rams annually. Probreed recommends you test your rams annually prior to joining, ensuring that the follow up test is conducted and results received before putting rams out for joining. The Gain? The Gain? The Gain? The Gain? So with all of the preceding information covered and applied, what are the likely outcomes? We're confident you will see the results. Ram Warranty Depending upon scale and technology, you should record improvements relatively quickly in relation to your breeding objective. By measuring, monitoring and using technology available to you we will be able to assist you in tracking your ram's progeny's progress to ensure potential is reached. Measuring, monitoring and analysis gives you certainty that your ram is as efficient and profitable as possible within your farming system. We will partner with you as you require along the way to help you achieve your breeding objective. If you are interested in a comprehensive genetic plan for your business, we can also work with you on this. Talk to one of our team for more information. You Gain Us. THE PROBREED GUARANTEE Product Care Warranty Policy. Warranty Policy. Warranty Policy. Warranty Policy. Now that we have provided you with all the information required to introduce your ram, acclimate your ram, joining your raam and check your ram post joining (and you have followed advice or sought independent advice) we are able to provide Ram Warranties* should anything go wrong. Ram / Lamb Warranty Ram / Lamb Guarantee Guaranteed disease free, including Brucellosis free on departure from selling centre Guaranteed for first joining or 12 months of age, provided ram lamb joining is no longer than 6 weeks Guaranteed for structural faults until 12 months of age Guaranteed fertility, subject to veterinary exam, testing and report Two Tooth Ram Warranty Two Tooth Ram Guarantee Guaranteed through to conclusion of first joining Guaranteed for structural faults Guaranteed fertility, subject to veterinary exam, testing and conclusive report. Replacement Rams Terms & Conditions Following the death of a Probreed ram, Probreed is to be contacted immediately. For rams that are deceased, the ear tag number and a photo of the ram with the tag in its ear must be supplied. Probreed will pay for any veterinary examinations of sick rams or autopsy of dead rams, should the veterinarian indicate that fault lies with Probreed. If Probreed is found not to be at fault, the owner of the animal agrees to pay all related fees. Where a ram is reported to have structural faults, Probreed will visit the property to inspect the ram with the owner. A replacement ram will be arranged as soon as possible, should this be deemed necessary. A ram will be replaced due to infertility, sickness or death (where a veterinarian indicates fault lies with Probreed). Replacement rams will be arranged as soon as possible. Should a replacement ram not be available then a credit will be issued. Replacement Ram Credits are to be used at the next available selection day. Website Policy Terms & Conditions