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The recommended concentrate supplementation level follows a rising scale starting at 75g per head daily in week one, increasing to 125g in week two, 175g in week three and 250g in week four. This gives a minimum input per lamb of 4.4kg over a four-week period.
All lambs in the flock must be meal-fed for the four weeks, but feeding dates can be split where there is an age gap between lambs and more than one weaning date.
Feed receipts must be maintained for inspection and inspectors can also inspect feeding points for evidence of feeding.
Feed purchase receipts can also be cross-referenced to dispatch documents to ensure feeding was continued for the required period.
The option of mineral supplementation of ewes post-breeding is a popular measure selected for lowland farmers and there are a few important aspects that should be taken into account. These are detailed by Frank Hynes, Teagasc, on page 35 of this week’s Irish Farmers Journal.
Applying ear tags
Retention rates in ear tags can be improved by applying tags at the optimum site on the animal’s ear. This is generally one third of the way out from the animal’s head, as it is the strongest part of the ear and holds a reduced chance of getting caught.
This may be further out in breeds with thicker ears, as it is important to have some airflow around the tag.
The tag should be applied midway in height, but take care to feel where the two main veins are and avoid these. This will require animals to be restrained adequately and care should always be taken to apply tags in hygienic conditions.
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