The option of mineral supplementation of ewes post breeding is a popular option selected in the Sheep Welfare Scheme. At last week’s sheep event organised by Teagasc, Kepak and QualEUtex, Frank Hynes, Teagasc sheep specialist, outlined three key aspects of the measure that farmers may not be aware of but which are essential to remember to satisfy scheme requirements.

Supplementation must be for 60 days post-breeding

The timeframe for supplementation is from the date breeding starts to 60 days later. That means the ewes must be treated on the day of turnout or before that and the period of cover must extend for 60 days after the day of introducing the ram. The measure is policed by checking records and receipts for minerals supplemented, be it in injectable, drench, bolus or bucket form. As such, the date on receipts must tie in with the timeframe in which minerals are supplemented.

Label requirements

Frank says that the product used must specify on the label that it is suitable for ewes. For example, he says that there may be some products on the market that are targeted at lambs or do not clearly state that they cover ewes and these will not suffice. The label must also state the duration of cover or in the case of daily supplements such as lick buckets, it must state the recommended daily intake, so that it can be calculated how long a bucket will last for a particular number of ewes. If the supplement administered does not last for the full 60 days, then it will need to be re-administered or topped up as appropriate.

Frank says: “A lot of people made up their own cobalt drench in the past, but this will no longer suffice as it is not recognised as an approved product. Each product given must be identified as suitable for ewes. If the period of cover lasts for 60 days then that is fine but if it is shorter then mineral supplementation must be topped up as necessary.”

Food business operator licence

Mineral products must be manufactured and traded by food business operators (FBOs) which are licensed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Franks explains: “The majority of co-ops and feed merchants are Department-approved FBOs. Some vets may not be approved FBOs but if they are purchasing their products from manufacturers who are, then there is no issue with purchasing products from them.”

Frank says that if farmers are in doubt of their requirements under the Sheep Welfare Scheme they should contact their adviser or the relevant section in the Department of Agriculture who will be best placed to give them advice.