Hogget Production and Longevity

Ewe productivity is the principal driver of profit for dual-purpose ewe flocks. Ewe longevity further influences farm profitability by influencing the ewe replacement rate and the genetic gain and selection pressure that can be achieved. Hogget (ewe lamb) productive potential is influenced by their management in early life, with rapid growth rates from weaning at 3 months of age maximising productivity through the early attainment of puberty, increased reproductive performance, accelerated lamb growth rates and reaching target mature body size. Hogget breeding faces a number of challenges, including low and variable reproductive performance, low lamb birth weights and the need to ensure that the ewe herself continues to grow during pregnancy and lactation. For dual-purpose ewes, the assessment of productivity is based on lamb weaning, which is the culmination of events that occur prior to and during breeding, throughout pregnancy and finally during lactation. The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together contributions that provide the latest findings relating to the drivers of hogget productivity and longevity and literature reviews that summarise our current knowledge.

Dr. Rene Anne Corner-Thomas
Guest Editor

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