Periparturient mortality in merino ewes in Australia: Incidence, impact and the path to mitigation strategies

B Kirk; T Clune; E de Looff; J Jones; S Barber; D McGill; L Rowlands; S McGrath; J Kelly; A Whale; C Jacobson; E Glanville

doi:10.1111/avj.13430

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Periparturient mortality in merino ewes in Australia: Incidence, impact and the path to mitigation strategies

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Periparturient mortality in merino ewes in Australia: Incidence, impact and the path to mitigation strategies

B Kirk, T Clune, E de Looff, J Jones, S Barber, D McGill, L Rowlands, S McGrath, J Kelly, A Whale, …

Australian veterinary journal, Vol.103(5), Early View

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13430

PMID: 40088148

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Abstract

lambing period

dystocia

metabolic disease

sheep

survival

Managing breeding ewe mortality is a priority for the Australian sheep industry. The periparturient period carries the highest risk of mortality, but the incidence and causes in Merino ewes are not well characterised. Here, we outline the reported incidence of annual and periparturient mortality for Australian Merino ewes, causes and risk factors for ewe mortality and current recommendations for managing periparturient ewes and gaps in the literature. The mean incidence of periparturient mortality reported in Merino ewes ranges from 0.3% to 11.4%. However, there are challenges with reporting mortality figures in extensive production systems due to the nature of record keeping and farm characteristics. Studies reporting causes of periparturient mortality indicate that these are typically multifactorial, with metabolic disease and dystocia likely to be important. Identifying potential mitigation strategies has the potential to improve productivity, profitability and welfare on Australian farms.

Details

Title: Periparturient mortality in merino ewes in Australia: Incidence, impact and the path to mitigation strategies
Authors/Creators: B Kirk - The University of Melbourne
T Clune - Murdoch University
E de Looff - Pinion Advisory, Dowsing Point, Australia
J Jones - Pinion Advisory, Dowsing Point, Australia
S Barber - The University of Melbourne
D McGill - Central Queensland University
L Rowlands - Pinion Advisory, Dowsing Point, Australia
S McGrath - Millicent Veterinary Clinic, Millicent, Australia
J Kelly - Animal Health and Nutrition Consulting, Coonamble, Australia
A Whale - Livestock Logic, Apiam Animal Health, Hamilton, Australia
C Jacobson - Murdoch University
E Glanville - Well Stock Consulting, Bathurst, Australia
Publication Details: Australian veterinary journal, Vol.103(5), Early View
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.; HOBOKEN
Number of pages: 11
Grant note: University of Melbourne Meat and Livestock Australia Australian Wool Innovation
Identifiers: 991005753829807891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Agricultural Sciences; Centre for Animal Production and Health
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.51 Dairy & Animal Sciences; 3.51.799 Farm Animal Welfare
Web Of Science research areas: Veterinary Sciences
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science