EXPENSIVE, inefficient and far too big.
This is the frank criticism of first-cross ewes coming from two high profile players within the prime lamb industry.
Southern NSW Poll Dorset and maternal ram breeder Tom Bull says the big first-cross ewes that sell for up to $180 are too risky from a price, efficiency and performance perspective.
Never shy of ruffling a few feathers in the lamb industry, Mr Bull told lamb producers at a seminar at Hamilton last week that first-cross ewes grew too slowly into a large animal and consumed far too much for their output.
“For maternal genetics we need something that is quick out of the blocks and grows quickly, has good carcase and skin as well as good fertility - and there is no reason why we can’t get all this in our maternal genetics,” he said.
“It’s time to make self replacing maternal genetics mainstream.”
For full report and comprehensive sheep and wool coverage, see Stock & Land, September 11.
