Multimin® Evolution For Sheep – New Pre-lambing Insights
Modern Australian sheep have evolved through intensive genetic selection for rapid growth and increased reproductive performance. This selection has changed their metabolic profiles, creating a different biological entity that places a considerable demand on key trace minerals. To unlock the flock's inherent genetic potential, strategic trace mineral supplementation is essential.
Multimin® Evolution for Sheep directly supports this requirement with a high-concentration, low-volume formulation that contains 50% more Zinc than any other injectable trace mineral product for sheep on the Australian market.
Two Distinct Studies, Two Strategic Options
Producers and their advisors now have two robust trials proving that Multimin® Evolution for Sheep improves productivity.
1. Two Dose Fertility Boost Program¹ (Gonzalez-Rivas et al., 2023)
The Landmark field trials proved the benefits of a two-dose program administered to ewes at both pre-joining and pre-lambing. This program is designed to optimise reproductive output from conception through to marking and weaning.
2. Single Dose Pre-Lambing Program² (NEW University of Melbourne trials*)
A 2026 University of Melbourne study provides proof of a single pre-lambing dose to benefit both the ewe and unborn lamb. Multimin Evolution for Sheep was administered to Merino ewes 30 days prior to lambing. This study focused explicitly on the immediate physiological benefits to the lamb's early life development at marking.
Key Findings from the 2026 University of Melbourne Trial
The trial evaluated treated Merino ewes against untreated control ewes. Treating ewes 30 days pre-lambing yielded significant production advantages:
1. Heavier Lambs at Marking
Lambs from the treated group were 1.5 kg heavier at marking (12.8 kg treated vs. 11.3 kg control; p = 0.02).
2. Ewe Condition
Treated ewes had higher Body Condition Scores (BCS) at lambing compared to control ewes.
Summary
The choice of program depends entirely on enterprise goals. For producers seeking a comprehensive lift in flock fertility, conception rates, and weaning weights, the dual-dose program (pre-joining and pre-lambing) remains the recommended pathway. However, for operations looking for a highly efficient, single-dose option to directly protect ewe condition and maximise lamb carcass weights at marking, the new 2026 University of Melbourne data confirms that a standalone pre-lambing injection delivers exceptional real-world profitability.
*Trials complete - pending official publication. 1. Gonzalez-Rivas P.A., et al. (2023). A trace mineral injection before joining and lambing increases marking percentages and lamb weights on diverse farms in Victoria, Australia. Animals, 13(1), 178. 2. University of Melbourne (2026) Data on File. Benefits outlined are not necessarily registered label claims. Multimin is a registered trademark of Virbac. APVMA n 94279 and 94271.
