How Thermoskin Was Created
Henry was asked by a fine wool grower if it was possible to develop a product to protect shorn sheep immediately after shearing from cold and wet conditions. He accepted the challenge and in 2003 began his research and experimental trials which continued for five years due to the constraints of testing in cold conditions. As well as developing an effective product, several versions of a spray unit were also put to the test.
A number of trials were conducted on numerous stud and commercial properties and sincere thanks are extended to everyone who supported the concept of Thermoskin from its beginning.
Trial areas were in -
NSW - Armidale, Boorowa, Bowning, Crookwell, Deepwater, Eden Monaro District (Berridale, Cooma, Numerella), Taralga, Woolbrook, Yass.
VIC - Bonang, Dunkeld, Highlands of East Gippsland.
TAS - near Launceston.
NZ - Alexandra
Thermoskin was commercially launched in 2008.
In August 2009, an independent sheep consultancy business undertook its own trial and achieved similar results to those previously conducted by Henry King.
Most sheep achieved a positive weight gain, some more than others, with the best results occurring in the first 3 to 4 weeks, then evening out at the 6 week mark. Thermoskin is now an important sheep management tool that improves productivity by ensuring there is no check after shearing.
Extracts from the conclusion in this report:
"All participants in the trial saw a weight gain in their treated sheep with the Thermoskin product over the control mobs.
The gain was minimal at Colin Murdoch's at 0.18kg for Merino hoggets after 15 days to the maximum weight gain at Bob Walters of 3.11 kg for Merino pregnant ewes after 15 days.
To the initial application and weighing to the second weighing there was an average weight gain in the treated sheep over the control sheep of 1.34kg hd."
"There was more weight gain in the pregnant ewes averaging a 1.94kg hd (4%) weight gain after an average of 15 days over the untreated sheep. A significant result for a ewe in her last 4 to 6 weeks before lambing on extremely limited nutrition.
The weight gain in the treated hoggets over the controls after 15 days was 0.74kg hd (2%).