With favourable seasonal conditions, sheep producers across Australia are busy rebuilding their flocks. The MLA predicts that by June 2021, the national flock size will increase to 67.3 million.¹ With such a focus, the importance of ewe fertility and fecundity and lamb survival is more crucial than ever. For the first time, Virbac is proud to introduce the Target Sheep Repro Program, a unique animal health program that has been demonstrated to improve ewe fertility and fecundity and lamb survival through a dual mode of action.

The Target Sheep Repro Program consists of two products unique to animal health:

1. Ovastim - a reproductive vaccine that results in ewes releasing more eggs. Ovastim has been shown to increase lambing rates by an average of 23%.²
2. Multimin for Sheep - a trace mineral injection that supports embryo survival and lamb health. Multimin treatment has been shown to result in an average of 9% more lambs marked that were 2.3 kg heavier at weaning.³

When paired together, as part of a comprehensive animal health program, both products work together to help producers see:

• More lambs per ewe joined
• More multiples and fewer singles
• Healthier lambs and improved welfare
• Healthier lambs at sale

The Target Sheep Repro Program will be suitable for progressive sheep producers who scan their ewes and look for products that can dramatically increase the number of lambs per ewe.

Dr Graham Lean, Principal Consultant at Agrivet Business has looked into the financial impact Multimin and Ovastim can have on a sheep enterprise.

“It was no surprise that the use of Ovastim was likely to be massively profitable. Using Ovastim in a typical prime lamb flock may result in a profit of about $18/ewe in today’s market. Meanwhile, using a Multimin program can result in a staggering $43/ewe extra profit!”

“Make hay while the sun shines,” says Dr George Cox, sheep veterinarian at Virbac. “Producers that manage multiple bearing ewes well can achieve optimal reproductive performance with their current ewes by using the two products.”

“These two products are a fantastic combination because they complement each other really well. While Ovastim increases the number of eggs per ovulation cycle increasing the chance of twins, Multimin improves the antioxidant status and the immune system helping to protect those embryos, ensuring they make it to term and result in the birth of healthy lambs” stated Dr Paula Gonzalez-Rivas, nutritionist and veterinarian at Virbac.

Starting June, Virbac will be launching their Target Sheep Repro Program in Australia, including reseller and farmer-focused activities targeting all major sheep regions, digital advertising, and lead generation to double store turnover for Multimin Sheep and Ovastim. To make the most out of this investment, Nutrien stores are encouraged to ensure they are well stocked with Multimin for Sheep and Ovastim.

For more information about Target Sheep Repro, head here - https://au.virbac.com/targetrepro

 References

1. Meat and LIvestock Australia (2021). February 2021 Sheep Industry Projections https://www.mla.com.au/sheepprojections
2. Geldard, H. et al. (1984). Immunisation of ewes with polyandroalbumin to improve fecundity. Aust. Vet. J. 61(4):130. 2. Mundell, L. et al. (2012). Effects of prepartum and postpartum bolus
3. Gonzalez-Rivas P.A., Swaney S., Evans R., Chambers M., Liu J. (2021) Effect of a trace mineral injection before joining and lambing on conception rate, marking rate and lamb weights in diverse farms in Victoria. Animal Production in Australia 33, cxxviii.

Benefits outlined by the above scientific trials are not necessarily registered label claims.