Lamb survival project wins 2021 AWI Award
The University of Adelaide’s Bianca Agenbag is the 2021 recipient of the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) Award. AWI presents this award each year as part of Australia’s Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
These awards are organised by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment and are open to young Australians aged between 18-35 who deliver scientific research for the benefit of agriculture.
Bianca Agenbag’s award for 2021 is for a project that aims to fill a significant knowledge gap in the early development of lambs by focusing on colostrum.
“Colostrum contains all of the essential antibodies needed for the lamb to start its digestive system and gastrointestinal tract,” Ms Agenbag says. “Lambs are born with absolutely no antibodies of their own, so having that first drink is crucial.”
AWI chief executive, Stuart McCullough, said: “Improving lamb survival is a key part of the wool industry’s focus on sheep welfare. It will also drive recovery of the size of the national merino flock.”
