Friday, 13 March 2026 10:55

Body Condition Scoring Ewes Before Mating Can Boost Lambing Rates

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Research shows that lambing percentages increase by 6–10% for every extra unit of body condition score at mating.

Body condition scoring ewes at least six weeks out from mating can make a significant difference to conception rates and scanning percentages.

Research has shown that lambing percentages increase by 6–10% for every extra unit of body condition score at mating. The flushing effect may provide an additional 5–10%.

Ideally, ewes should be going to the ram at a body condition score (BCS) of between 3 and 4 and it is the percentage of the ewe flock with a BCS of below 3 at mating and lambing that is the single most important factor influencing the profitability of an ewe flock.

The biggest percentage jump in scanning percentage will come from reducing the number of poor condition ewes at mating, it is these poor condition ewes that will bring down the overall performance of the flock.

Pre-mating management

By preferentially feeding ewes that have a BCS below three (they may require supplementary feed) in the lead up to mating, their body condition and lambing percentage can be improved.

It is also recommended that a faecal egg count is carried out on these low condition score ewes as they may require a drench.

Ewes need 1.0-1.3 kg DM/head/day of average to good quality feed just to hold body condition during mating and early pregnancy.

Ideally, the ewe mob should be rotated rapidly on to pasture that is 5–6 cm height. Grazing below 3cm or 1500 kg DM/ha will result in loss of body condition and lower lambing rates.

Body condition scoring ewes has been found to be a driver of profitability in top performing sheep flocks. The three best times to BCS are pre-mating, scanning and weaning.

Article - Beef + Lamb NZ

More like this

BCS Targets: Why Body Condition Score Matters at Calving

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a critical element in managing the health and reproduction of the dairy herd.

Transition Period: The Make-or-Break Window for Dairy Cows

The transition period is the make-or-break window for your entire season. If this period is poorly managed, you don't just see a few downer cows, you see a downward spiral that affects the cow's health, production and reproduction long into the season.

Dry conditions highlight importance of Body Condition Scoring ewes at weaning

The dry conditions being experienced along much of the east coast of both Islands build a strong case for body condition scoring ewes at this season’s weaning.

The genetics of body condition scoring

This is the third in a series of articles from Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Informing New Zealand Beef programme. The seven-year INZB partnership, supported by Beef+Lamb New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries' Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, aims to boost the sector's profits by $460m.

Managing cow BCS for better breeding

This is the first in a series of articles from Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Informing New Zealand Beef programme. The seven-year INZB partnership, supported by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries' Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, aims to boost the sector's profits by $460m.

Featured

OverseerFM Adds Five New Crops in Model Update

Overseer Ltd has released an update to OverseerFM, the farm environmental modelling software, incorporating research findings that refine its estimates of crop nitrogen uptake.

NZ Red Meat Sector Disappointed as US Lamb Probe Advances

New Zealand's red meat sector says it is disappointed that the United States' investigation into lamb imports will move to its next phase.

Fines For Velveting Without Pain Relief, Illegal Slaughter and NAIT Breaches

Three men have been sentenced in District Courts after Ministry for Primary Industries prosecutions over animal welfare, food safety and cattle tracing offences.

A Year of Delivery for Fonterra

Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.

Editorial: Common Sense Prevails

OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.

Ex-Fonterra Suppliers Face Stricter Share Sell-Down Requirements

Dairy farmers, still holding onto their Fonterra shares despite switching milk supply elsewhere or exiting the industry, now face a stricter share sell-down requirement.