Issue 1
April 2000
GRACEFIELD NEWSLETTER
Without doubt there has been an explosion of new genetic material into Australia over the past four years, and confusion by growers and the industry in general, has prompted me to write this newsletter.
Having been involved with South African Mutton Merinos, renamed Prime SAMM since their importation into Western Australia in 1996, I am finally able to speak on the breed from an informed position.
Unlike the fanfare that has been exercised by other new breeds, the SAMM Society of Australia, some twenty one studs registered throughout, have been flat out trying to get numbers established and research and trial work recorded.Appointment of a national classifier, mainframe computer recordings and registration of livestock have been urgent priorities.
Thankfully, we have serious stock people involved with the serious business of introducing a new breed into Australia.This will ensure that the opportunity of starting a base from the top progeny and growing from these bloodlines.
There has been much trial work done since 1998 and far too much to write about in this newsletter, however I will try to highlight a few.
A comparison study has been running at Pingelly, Western Australia by Agriculture WA through the University of Western Australia.Five first cross breeds (F1), Poll Dorset, East Friesan, Border Leicester, SAMM and Merino.Growth rates, feed conversion, fertility and wool production have been tested.SAMM's came through well above average in all aspects tested.Statistical information is available and we would only be too pleased to assist.Thanks to Rob Davidson, University of WA as Research Officer.
Lambplanning of all stock has taken place in the last couple of years and results are very good to excellent.We are relying more on the raw data than EBV's, mainly due to the small pool of stock tested.A good example is this Gracefield young ram tested 7 months 3 weeks, weight 95.5 kg, YEMD 45, YCF 4.
Wool from both F1 and purebreds have sold comparable to merino wool at both auction and by private treaty.Measurements are very similar with merino wool in both micron, yield and comfort factor.
What SAMMs will do for a commercial grower
These are observations that we have made and ring true to our expectations of the breed.
1. Increase in lambing percentages out of your merino ewes.
2. Flexibility - prime lamb, breeding stock,wool.
3. Better utilization of paddock feed being non selective in grazing habits.
4. Non seasonal matings.
5 .No obvious tail on mobs (hardiness and vigour).
6. Ability to increase returns by increasing weights of lambs at turnoff.
7. Less fat and superior meat quality.
We have a very good product that has enormous potential to increase income for sheep growers.We have excellent rapport with trade and export companies and look forward to mutual benefits forthcoming from an elite product.
About Gracefield SAMM
Our aim and intention from day one was to gather all genetic material imported into Australia.This was mainly achieved by the purchase of embryos.Spurred on by the volatile climate in South Africa, we imported our own embryos and now can boast genetics from eleven South African studs.We tell you this to stress that we are attempting to have a large gene pool as a base for the sustainability of the breed.
A further nine ewes were purchased by us:
three 1996 drops (originals), three 1997 and three 1998 drop.These were selected as strong SAMM traits with whiter wools.Five rams were also purchased;1996-97 drop.
This year one hundred embryos have been transferred, due to drop May/June and a further one hundred embryos from one of the best wooled studs in South Africa have been purchased.The ram we are using is the 1998 South African Ram of the Year, measuring 9 for body and 9 for wool.Eight is considered exceptional.
Some natural matings have taken place and without exception, all have lambed twins.This year we hope to drop more naturally as ewes come of age.1999 saw us drop lambs all year round, we started in March and finished in December.
We sold a draft of approximately 400 F1 lambs, 5-6 months of age back in October after we had shorn them.A low weight of 19.5 kg and a high weight of 28.5 kg with a 24.5 kg average off grass.All scored 2's, 3's without exception.Dressing percentage of 50%.Yield testing was comparable with British and Australasian breeds.PH, colour and meat quality exceptional.
The F1 ewe lambs were mated at 8 months of age, scanned 50% pregnant and are due to drop June.We have also mated 2000 merino ewes to SAMMs and have experimented with one hundred pure Border Leicester ewes and one hundred F1 Border Merino cross.It will be interesting to see the progeny.
Our ultimate aim is to supply growers with fertility, growth and wool, in that order through a clinical recorded and tested approach, plus a dose of good common sense with commercial viability in mind.
Our Field Day this year will be on Friday, 29 September, 1 pm start.Everyone welcome!
Gracefield SAMM
PO Box 726
Katanning WA 6317
Phone: 08 9821 2181 Fax: 08 9821 4240
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