03 Jul, 2002 11:30 PM
BY KERRIE LUSH
ALTHOUGH a growing number of sheep breeders switching to SRS sheep in an all-or-nothing fashion, West Coast farmer Eddie Burge is treading carefully so he can compare results with his traditional flock.
After running a Merino flock for the past 22 years - since buying land at Maltee, 25km north east of Ceduna - the Burge family decided to diversify into an SRS mob, after attending a field day at Marnoo, Victoria, and visiting Charinga Merino stud at St Arnaud.
"We were very taken by the type of wool," Eddie said.
"SRS-type wool is very crimpy, with no cross fibre and is very bright.
"The micron looks as though it's not fine wool, but it is very deceiving.
"You usually can't tell the micron just by looking at it.
"It's a free-growing wool that will help combat flies."
The first step was to get woolclasser Bill Walker to class their original ewes into three lines wools, flats and tights. These ewes were then mated with the nine rams bought from Charinga that suited these types of sheep.
Although the process is still in its early stages, the first SRS drop hoggets are looking distinctly promising.
"We can see a difference for sure but it is in the second cross where we should see a real difference," Eddie said.
This year will be their second mating and the ewe hoggets will be classed after seeding is finished.
"It's a little bit of work (classing), but I think it is the only way to make a true test," Eddie said.
To ensure good lambing percentages, rams are usually fed lupins and oats for about six weeks before they go out with the ewes, and the ewes are fed oats for about four weeks before lambing to ensure they are in top condition.
Lambing percentages are usually about 80pc, but last year's was 95pc because of the good weather and forward condition of the sheep.
Buying rams rather than using AI is the preferred option at this stage.
"We have contemplated AI but it's not really worth all the work because when we have used it we have had a low take," Eddie said.
"That's why we spent money on the rams, and we've got them for quite a few years then."
This year at shearing, in July, they will be able to compare the SRS and traditional flocks, but it will be some time before Eddie will be totally convinced to make the complete changeover.
"We are going to compare the two to see if there are any changes in the body and fleece weights," Eddie said.
"We would really want a net margin to change over.
"I don't think we can look at any results for about four-five years to make a decision."
The flock is now running at 23M-24M.
"But we want to get that down to 21-22M as well as retain frame size and cut," Eddie said.
The Burges run 3000-3500 Merinos including 1500 ewes and another 600 SRS ewes.
The traditional flock is based on SA's Tallala and Greenfields stud bloodlines.
Although Eddie says cropping is their main enterprise, it is obvious that a lot of thought has gone into the livestock operation.
Eddie, his wife Fay, son Anthony his wife Debbie, have also extended their livestock enterprise by acquiring the pastoral Siam Station, in the Gawler Ranges.
It was bought on a walk-in, walk-out basis from Rex Brennan, and they have just mated 8000 ewes on Siam, which also runs a small Poll Hereford beef herd.
"Anthony was keen on pastoral country and thought this would be a change," Eddie said.
"Our farm and the pastoral property should work well together."
Source: Stock Journal [Link Broken 12/2017]