A method for maximising average flock reproduction by optimising culling policies across age groups.

Increasing the average reproduction of a sheep flock is beneficial for most commercial sheep producers, and especially those focussing on meat production. Not only does it increase selection intensity for further selection if required, but it also increases the quantity of meat sales, and therefore the value of the flock. Currently some producers cull ewes if they are dry once (or sometimes dry twice). The aim of this study was to optimise culling strategies based on expected lifetime reproductive performance across age groups to achieve a desired higher average flock reproduction. If commercial sheep producers were able to use information readily available to them to improve their average flock production and reproduction it would provide a simple way to increase the value of their flock.