“We always expected variation from farm to farm and sheep to sheep, which will be analysed to guide further clip design and application method work.
“This is the nature of research and development, and that's why we're pleased so many growers put up their hands to be part of the national product development and testing program.”
Mr Evans said a range of animal welfare benefits are emerging including better mothering-up, faster return to grazing behaviour and increased weight gains compared to conventionally mulesed lambs.
“However, we'll be able to quantify those benefits when we collect and analyse all data from all the sites around the country. Growers are seeing these results and their attitude is very supportive. It is not just curiosity driving them to get involved – they are genuinely interested in finding viable alternatives to mulesing,” he said.
“This research will be refined over the next three mulesing seasons, as we move towards 2010.”
The other alternatives to mulesing that are being evaluated and explored in the industry include intradermal needle-less injections and breeding for breech-strike resistant sheep.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
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