Immunization against polyandroalbumin leads to increases in lambing and tailing percentages

Abstract

A series of 10 farm trials was conducted in which the lambing performance of ewes immunised against polyandroalbumin was compared with that of untreated ewes in the same flock. The trials show that polyandroalbumin treatment is a reliable method of increasing lambing and tailing percentages in New Zealand flocks. An average of 39 extra lambs born per 100 ewes tupped was achieved on farms where ewes were given two treatments about four weeks apart and rams were introduced 18–26 days after the second dose. On farms where rams were introduced less than 12 days after this booster injection an average of 19 extra lambs born per 100 ewes tupped resulted.

On farms where rams were introduced at 18–26 days post booster injection an average of 35 extra lambs were tailed for every 100 ewes tupped.

The response for immunization increased in direct relation to the liveweight of the ewes at tupping.