Thank you to those farmers who provided their ewe-scanning information to us this year. We aim to send our survey out each year to create a growing database from which we can identify trends and investigate opportunities to improve the number of lambs born each year.
Hogget-scanning results varied from 44% to 140% with most hovering in the early 90s. As expected, the two-tooths did better and ranged from 65 to 193% with over three-quarters scanning 134% or better. The mixed-aged ewes averaged 160% with the best mob doing 203% and the worst just below 100%.
Local scanning results
| Overall | Scanned for triplets | Scanned for multiples | Scanned wet-dry | |
| Ewes | 152% | 176% | 158% | 122% |
| Two-tooths | 138% | 165% | 145% | 104% |
| Hoggets | 87% | 95% | 74% | 91% |
The average over all farms, all classes, was 130%. Comments from farmers were resoundingly similar with lower scanning rates than normal, with more dries and less twins. Many were disappointed with their hogget results and there have been many anecdotal cases of hogget abortions after scanning. A number of these have been investigated with a variety of results.
We aim to continue this survey each year to monitor trends and attempt to identify factors that limit or boost scanning results. One thing you can consider doing now is identify ewes less than body-condition score 2.5 at weaning and managing them separately to ensure the bulk of ewes are over that magic 3 at tupping. This can improve scanning by up to 25%.
If you are unsure how to condition score, please get in touch with us - we have an easy to follow document with pictures to assist you.
