VITAL STATISTICS FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL FLOCK OF MERINO SHEEP IN NORTH WEST QUEENSLAND

Age-specific death rates are presented for the period 1953-70. Mortality was higher than in more favourable environments and was extremely high in lambs and weaners. only Reproduction rates were low at all ages; the lambing rate at its highest 63 per cent and only 75 per cent of these lambs survived to marking. Both autumn and spring joinings were considered. Losses at different stages in the reproductive cycle were examined and most were attributed to poor nutrition in spring and early summer. Provision of adequate nutrition for autumn-born ewe weaners is suggested to facilitate selection for a more productive animal in this environment. This may also bring an immediate improvement in flock productivity. I