Abstract
Sheep milking in Australia was started in the 60s by farmers seeking to diversify from the traditional productions of wool and prime lambs. Since then, many enterprises have initiated sheep milking ventures with mixed fortunes. So far, the Australian sheep milking industry is far from being established despite good potential markets and high farm gate prices for the milk.
Through consultation with industry and years of research in this area at The University of Western Australia, we have identified the major reasons for this. These are:
1) The fact that Australia did not have a specialised breed of dairy sheep
Recently we have imported Awassi and East Friesian sheep that are reported to be the highest milk producers in the world (Epstein, 1985; Anifantakis, 1986).
2) The lack of typically Australian dairy products made with sheep milk
Processors establishing sheep milk manufacturing plants simply attempted to imitate famous overseas products such as Pecorino and Fetta. However, these cheeses are often heavily subsidised by their countries of origin and sometimes are protected by DOC (Denomination d’Origine Controllée) trademarks. In the case of the Fetta (not a DOC product), cow's milk imitations are available at very low prices. Australian consumers prefer milder tastes than the strong cheeses produced overseas.
3) The lack of outlets for the lambs
In sheep dairies lambs are often a problem. Artificial feeding is expensive and so far, it appears that the most economical solution is to kill the lambs at birth. Clearly, this option is not acceptable from a welfare point of view.
This report identifies issues crucial for the development of a sheep milking industry in Australia and reports on results obtained investigating these issues.
This research was funded by the RIRDC under the new animal products program to address the main problems faced by the industry with the aim of facilitating the establishment of a viable sheep milking industry in Australia.
Through consultation with industry and years of research in this area at The University of Western Australia, we have identified the major reasons for this. These are:
1) The fact that Australia did not have a specialised breed of dairy sheep
Recently we have imported Awassi and East Friesian sheep that are reported to be the highest milk producers in the world (Epstein, 1985; Anifantakis, 1986).
2) The lack of typically Australian dairy products made with sheep milk
Processors establishing sheep milk manufacturing plants simply attempted to imitate famous overseas products such as Pecorino and Fetta. However, these cheeses are often heavily subsidised by their countries of origin and sometimes are protected by DOC (Denomination d’Origine Controllée) trademarks. In the case of the Fetta (not a DOC product), cow's milk imitations are available at very low prices. Australian consumers prefer milder tastes than the strong cheeses produced overseas.
3) The lack of outlets for the lambs
In sheep dairies lambs are often a problem. Artificial feeding is expensive and so far, it appears that the most economical solution is to kill the lambs at birth. Clearly, this option is not acceptable from a welfare point of view.
This report identifies issues crucial for the development of a sheep milking industry in Australia and reports on results obtained investigating these issues.
This research was funded by the RIRDC under the new animal products program to address the main problems faced by the industry with the aim of facilitating the establishment of a viable sheep milking industry in Australia.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation |
| Number of pages | 77 |
| Volume | No 99/69 |
| ISBN (Print) | 0 64257998 9 |
| Publication status | Published - 1999 |