Economic Impact of Accelerated Lambing in Lacaune Ewes in Greece

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a stochastic simulation model to evaluate the impact of accelerated lambing on income over feed cost (IOFC) in Lacaune ewes managed under an intensive production system in Greece. The economic comparison of two lambing intervals (LI) was performed by varying the voluntary waiting period to allow for an 8-month LI (3 lambings in 2 years) versus a 12-month LI (1 lambing per year). Milk production per year was greater (p < 0.01) for the 8-month compared to the 12-month LI (777.4 ± 2.8 kg vs. 661.9 ± 2.1 kg, respectively), and the income from the sale of milk was greater for the 8-month compared to the 12-month LI (EUR 1166.0 ± 4.1 vs. EUR 992.9 ± 3.1, respectively). Feed cost per year was greater for the 8-month compared to the 12-month LI (EUR 255.9 ± 0.5 vs. EUR 227.8 ± 0.5, respectively). Therefore, IOFC per year was greater for the 8-month compared to the 12-month LI (EUR 989.4 ± 3.2 vs. EUR 817.1 ± 2.1, respectively). The cost per additional day open in the 12-month LI was estimated at EUR 1.08 ± 0.06 and demonstrates the importance of reproductive performance in the profitability of dairy sheep production. Therefore, reproductive management strategies that result in reduced LI are expected to increase IOFC in Lacaune dairy ewes. Future research is needed to develop practical strategies to successfully reduce the lambing interval in Lacaune ewes.