Supplementing lambs: Ration prices are slowly reducing, with prices falling by €10 to €15 in the last week to 10 days. However, there are still overpriced feeds being purchased that are increasing the cost of finishing lambs. When supplementing aged lambs, there is no need for complicated formulations or cooked or crunch feeds.

A standard cereal mix with high-energy ingredients is sufficient (protein content will not be an issue where lambs are grazing high quality grass). This can be in the form of a three- to four-way mix, with high-energy ingredients such as barley, maize, soya hulls, for example, at high inclusion rates.

Some farmers are purchasing barley off the combine and supplementing with a 70 to 80% rolled barley : 20 to 30% soya hulls mix and are finding good results at low supplementation rates. This is reducing the cost of standard rations from €240-€250/t to €200/t or lower. The best response to supplementation will be achieved with restricted supplementation of 300g to 500g/head rather than ad-lib feeding.

Reseeding: The window for reseeding is closing fast. While ground temperatures are still favourable for seeds to germinate, the aim should be to get planting completed as soon as possible. With day length shortening and temperatures dropping significantly, the success of late reseeding will be greatly reduced the longer it is delayed.

For reseeds completed in August, the application of a post-emergence spray is highly recommended to achieve a good kill of young weedlings and to prevent their establishment in the sward.

Sheep fencing and handling equipment scheme: The Department of Agriculture is sending letters to applicants who received approval for sheep fencing or the purchase of mobile handling equipment, but have not completed works within two years of the approval date. The letter gives the option of applying for an extension to complete works and submit all paperwork by 31 August 2015 – the closing date for returning paperwork under the scheme.

It is important that this letter is returned so that an extension can be granted if required.

Dog microchipping: Dogs Trust are offering free microchipping of dogs through their network of vets for the month of September. Legislation has been introduced requiring all dogs to be microchipped by 2016, with Dogs Trust offering the free service to get dogs up to full compliance faster.

More information can be obtained by calling 1890-252-928 or by going onto www.dogstrust.ie

Ram synchronisation ratio: Last week’s vet column recommended in error a ram-to-ewe ratio for synchronised breeding of one ram to 30 ewes. The recommended ram-to-ewe ratio for synchronised breeding is generally one ram to eight ewes. It is more important to maintain this ratio with ram lambs, with some farmers operating with success with a ratio of 1:10 with mature rams.