Flushing ewes on green feed

Using the flushing effect to increase ovulation

The “immediate flushing” effect involves providing ewes with a short term spike in energy four to six days prior to ovulation, resulting in increased ovulation and more multiple pregnancies. Flushing can be achieved using grain or live pastures.  Lupin grain has traditionally been used because there is a low risk of grain poisoning, compared with other grains.  However, the response to flushing can be variable, depending on the quantity and quality of the feed/supplement, previous nutrition and body condition of ewes.  The Wagga Wagga team tested whether a flushing effect could be achieved at low cost by short-term grazing of ewes on summer active perennials at joining, thereby adding value to perennial systems and minimising the cost of feed for flushing.

Two experiments were undertaken – flushing in synchronised ewes and flushing in unsynchronised ewes.

Full details of this experiment, results, on-farm experiences and economic analysis are discussed on the More lambs from flushing on green feed page.