ALSS now has two trained field operators capable of scanning ewes with a high degree of accuracy. Together with myself, there are now three operators and this has given rise to a much expanded capability. This expanded capability is being used to commence a program that has been planned for a considerable period of time and is aimed at lifting lamb survival rates in the flocks of ALSS clients.

An important element of this effort is to make the ALSS website the focal point of a large and growing body of technical material dealing with improved lamb survival rates. To this end, the ALSS website has just been updated, and ALSS clients will be provided with a new username and password enabling them to access the technical pages of the website.

Another important element of the effort is the collection of lambing data from a clients flock so that the sources of lamb losses can be identified as a prelude to reducing the lamb loss rate. There is absolutely no obligation for an ALSS client to be involved in this exercise, and there is no extra charge imposed for a client who decides to participate. Clients can be assured of complete confidentiality with regard to any information collected as a result of their participation in this exercise.