For sheep producers, successful lambing doesn't begin when lambs hit the ground—it begins months earlier with careful planning. A well-structured breeding program ensures your flock remains productive, profitable, and resilient year after year. Whether your goal is producing replacement ewes or prime lambs, focusing on high fertility sheep is one of the most effective ways to improve overall flock performance. At ProBreed, we believe that consistent genetic improvement combined with strategic flock management delivers long-term success. Our breeding philosophy focuses on maternal efficiency, fertility, lamb survival and growth to help producers achieve more kilograms of lamb per hectare while reducing labour and production costs. Below is a practical 12-month breeding calendar that can help producers prepare for better conception rates, healthier ewes and stronger lamb crops. Months 1–2: Review Last Season's Performance Every successful breeding program starts with evaluating the previous season. Review key performance indicators such as: · Scanning percentages · Lamb survival rates · Weaning percentages · Average weaning weights · Ewe condition scores · Ram performance These figures identify strengths and weaknesses before the next joining period begins. Producers using performance records are better equipped to make informed breeding decisions rather than relying solely on visual assessment. Months 2–3: Define Your Breeding Objectives Not every flock has the same priorities. Ask yourself: · Do you want more lambs weaned? · Is wool production equally important? · Are you targeting heavier carcasses? · Do you need more replacement females? Your breeding objectives determine which genetics will deliver the greatest return. For many Australian producers, selecting high fertility sheep means focusing on genetics that consistently deliver twins, excellent mothering ability and strong lamb survival. Months 3–4: Select the Right Rams Ram selection has the biggest influence on future flock performance because each ram contributes genetics to many offspring. Look beyond appearance and consider: · Fertility · Maternal traits · Growth rates · Birth weight · Weaning weight · Structural soundness · Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) At ProBreed, every breeding decision is backed by measured performance data to maximise genetic gain while improving fertility and maternal efficiency. Months 4–5: Prepare Your Ewes Even superior genetics require healthy ewes. Before joining: · Assess body condition scores · Vaccinate where required · Complete parasite management · Address mineral deficiencies · Ensure adequate nutrition Target condition scores improve ovulation rates, conception rates and embryo survival. Nutrition during this period has a direct influence on reproductive performance. Month 6: Joining Joining is where months of preparation come together. Best practice includes: · Joining healthy rams only · Monitoring ram-to-ewe ratios · Recording joining dates · Maintaining consistent nutrition · Minimising unnecessary stress Good management during joining helps maximise conception rates and ensures a tighter lambing period. Months 7–8: Pregnancy Scanning Pregnancy scanning provides valuable information for flock management. Scanning identifies: · Dry ewes · Singles · Twins · Triplets Grouping ewes according to litter size allows producers to feed animals according to nutritional demand, improving lamb survival while avoiding unnecessary feed costs. High fertility sheep often produce multiple lambs, making pregnancy scanning an essential management tool. Months 8–9: Nutrition During Pregnancy Late pregnancy is one of the most critical periods in the production cycle. Energy requirements increase significantly, particularly for twin- and triplet-bearing ewes. Proper nutrition supports: · Lamb birth weights · Colostrum production · Milk supply · Lamb survival · Ewe recovery after lambing Poor nutrition during this stage can reduce the benefits gained through superior genetics. Months 9–10: Prepare for Lambing Before lambing begins: · Check paddock shelter · Ensure adequate feed availability · Prepare lambing paddocks · Minimise disturbance · Monitor weather conditions Reducing stress during lambing allows ewes to display stronger maternal instincts and improves bonding with newborn lambs. Genetics also play a major role. ProBreed Maternal sires are selected for high maternal efficiency, fertility and lamb survival, helping producers wean more lambs each season. Months 10–11: Lambing Management During lambing: · Observe from a distance where possible. · Record losses. · Identify any difficult births. · Monitor ewe mothering behaviour. · Check lamb vigour. The objective is not simply more lambs born, but more lambs successfully weaned. This is where selecting high fertility sheep with excellent maternal traits delivers measurable commercial benefits. Month 12: Weaning and Data Collection Weaning is more than separating lambs. It is an opportunity to gather valuable information that improves next year's breeding program.

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

The Probreed breeding program delivers sheep suited to producers who dual income streams from meat and wool. We specialise in Ram Genetics and breed outstanding sheep tailored to your unique requirements and guarantee that when working with us, you will achieve year on year genetic gain. Contact sales@probreed.com.au for more information or visit www.probreed.com.au. Breeding Excellence. Breeding Excellence. Breeding Excellence. Breeding Excellence. We build Outstanding Sheep We build Outstanding Sheep We build Outstanding Sheep We build Outstanding Sheep tailored to your unique requirements and guarantee that, when working with us, you will achieve year on year genetic gain . Benefits. Benefits. Benefits. Benefits. High Fertility Scanning 180% High Survival 80% High Early Growth 1st 100 days Optimum KG Lamb / HA Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. We're looking for weaning percentages of 180%+ and that's why we stock this type of sheep. The Maternals are stunning in their ability to produce twins and multiples. Their mothering instinct is the strongest I've seen over the years. David Heath, Winchelsea VIC. It was the one package to suit the whole operation. It had fertility, fecundability, and also had a finer type of wool... we're definitely producing more lambs going to this Maternal flock rather than a white suffolk. Tom Lyons, Dundas Park, Vasey VIC. I've been using Probreed Genetics for over a decade with outstanding results. Very fertile animal, excellent maternal mothering traits, lambing ewes, weight gain, fattening ability, all pluses. They're a really top animal. Gordon Brown, Shelford VIC. Testimonials. Testimonials. Testimonials. Testimonials. What improvements should we expect? What improvements should we expect? What improvements should we expect? What improvements should we expect? We work with you, for best results. We work with you, for best results. We work with you, for best results. We work with you, for best results. We love sharing what we do with our clients, relish your feedback and adjust our breeding programme accordingly. Because together we are better. Who are we? Probreed Plus. Meat + Wool. The Plus breeding program delivers a sheep for producers who prefer dual income streams. We Guarantee Genetic Gain. We Guarantee Genetic Gain. We Guarantee Genetic Gain. We Guarantee Genetic Gain. We’ve seen first-hand how genetics can transform the productivity and labour efficiency of a flock. Probreed Maternal. Our flagship breed Maternal efficiency is the name of the game for these sheep. Tom Lyons, Dundas Park, Vasey VIC In Practice. In Practice. In Practice. In Practice. Probreed Terminal. 18 to 25kg Carcass We focus on producing a carcass with meat in the right places and fat where it's needed most. Who Are We? Sheep Breeds Ram Guarantee

ProBreed Plus is the ideal breed type for producers who want to optimise their prime lamb production, by balancing growth, carcase and wool traits.  ProBreed Plus sires are selected for high post-weaning weight, eye muscle depth and fat depth ASBVs, as well as moderate yearling clean fleece weight and fibre diameter ASBVs.  They are also selected for low worm egg count and high worm resistance ASBVs, to improve the health and resilience of their progeny.  Probreed Plus. Probreed Plus. Probreed Plus. Probreed Plus. ProBreed Plus is the ideal breed type for producers who want to optimise their prime lamb production, by balancing growth, carcase and wool traits. ProBreed Plus sires are selected for high post-weaning weight, eye muscle depth and fat depth ASBVs, as well as moderate yearling clean fleece weight and fibre diameter ASBVs. They are also selected for low worm egg count and high worm resistance ASBVs, to improve the health and resilience of their progeny. ProBreed Plus sires are suitable for mating with Merino or crossbred ewes, to produce high-quality prime lambs or dual-purpose sheep. Prime lamb production is a profitable and rewarding enterprise, but it also involves some risks, such as market volatility, climate variability, disease outbreaks and predation. To reduce these risks, producers need to adopt strategies that can improve their flock productivity, profitability and sustainability. One of these strategies is to use genetics that can enhance the performance and resilience of their sheep. ProBreed Plus sires are selected for traits that can reduce production risk in prime lamb enterprises, such as growth, carcase, wool and worm resistance. These traits can improve the income and efficiency of the enterprise, as well as the health and welfare of the sheep. By using ProBreed Plus sires, you can produce lambs that have higher growth rates, better carcase attributes, finer and heavier fleeces, and lower worm burdens, compared to other sires. These lambs can also cope better with adverse conditions, such as drought, heat stress, parasites and diseases. Carcase quality and value are important factors for prime lamb production, as they determine the price and demand for the product. Carcase quality and value are influenced by several traits, such as weight, yield, fatness, muscling, tenderness. These traits can be measured by objective and subjective methods, such as carcase grading, ultrasound scanning, meat quality testing and consumer feedback. ProBreed Plus sires are selected for high eye muscle depth (EMD) and fat depth (FAT) ASBVs, which are indicators of carcase quality and value. Fat depth is a measure of the amount and distribution of subcutaneous fat, which affects the yield, appearance and eating quality of lamb. By using ProBreed Plus sires, you can produce lambs that have higher eye muscle depth and fat depth, compared to other sires. These lambs can have higher carcase weights, yields, grades and prices, as well as better meat tenderness, juiciness and flavour. Plus Pricing 10% VOLUME BUY DISCOUNT (4+) Basic Standard Premium 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. Blog Posts Contact Us Probreed Maternal Probreed Terminal Probreed Plus Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Our Breeds.