Best sheep for wet climate

2 posts
Mon, 10/26/2015 - 21:31 #1

Member for

9 years 5 months
Jusfarming
Last seen: 12/19/2021 - 18:07
Joined: 06/05/2015 - 20:43

Best sheep for wet climate

Hi all, We have recently purchased land (ex dairy farm run off block) with average rainfall up to 900 m in south west Western Australia. Traditionally this is dairy/cattle area, however I'm looking at the viability of sheep instead, and am aware sheep can have foot issues. Can you advise the best breeds of sheep to cope with wet weather such as above, and if you think I will be running a losing battle on dairy pasture trying to run sheep?
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Thu, 10/29/2015 - 08:56 #2
peter_marybank
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 02/26/2015 - 13:47

Hello Jusfarming,

 

You've set yourself a challenge - but not an insurmountable one.

 

The issue with sheep in high rainfall zones is not the rainfall persay - its the periods of warm moist consditions at the grass level that persit and create an excellent environment for foot infecting bacteria to thrive. Additionally internal parasites (intestional worms) are well adapted and a common companion in these conditions. 

 

In terms of pasture, both sheep and cattle are ruminants and will eat the same pasture. Dairy pastures are traditionally grass dominant and farmers use nitrogen to boost growth.  This is purely a production issue and not a sheep vs cattle thing. 

 

In terms of sheep breeds, whilst it is not unheard of to run pure merinos in HRZs you do need merino strains that are adapted to these areas and they are not that common in the west. Bringing in merinos that have been largely run in drier climates could cause you enourmous headaches. 

 

It is generally accepted that "Black footed" sheep breeds have significantly higher coping abilities with wetter conditions and foot issues. 

 

Some breeds that may fit the bill:

Border Leceister x merino (tradionally known as 1st x ewes) - this is the foundation sheep type of the prime lamb industry. The females are crossed with a terminal meat breed and all lambs are sold. There are numerous terminal meat breeds, Dorsets, suffolks, hampshires and south downs to name a few - all work well. This combination is traditionally not self replacing (as all lambs are sold) and the ewe base needs infusion of new sheep as sheep age and leave the flock.

 

In terms of self replacing flocks then the coopworth is a good example and is well adpated and reasonably common. 

 

There are a number of breeds / combinations that will be suitable. Running sheep in HRZs has similarities with running sheep on irrgated pasture , hence it does happen fairly frequently,

 

If you would like to talk further, send me an email (peter@aamf.com.au) and we can broaden the discussion.

I would suggest some caution before purchasing a flock so as you gain good advice and have a sound understanding of your environment.

 

Regards

Peter

Marybank. 

 

 

 

 

 

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