Caution still needs to be applied due to a risk of pneumonia, with some farmers housing hoggets for a few of days – or at least ensuring animals have access to good shelter. A percentage of farmers are waiting anxiously to shear, to deal with ewes going on their backs.

The fear, however, in shearing lactating ewes during the current cold snap, is that some may go dry following shearing. The risk is greatest with ewes in early lactation, with any setback in milk yield having a greater impact for these animals. Ewes at risk of going on their back are those in very good body condition, with a heavy fleece of wool.

Where this is the case, ewes should be checked regularly, with no option in some cases but to house repeat offenders temporarily. Placing a piece of equipment in a field such as a trailer, roller or transport box that ewes can scratch against can help to reduce the incidence. All ewes should ideally be fasted before shearing, and the importance of this is heightened with heavy ewes that are under more pressure.

Read more

Sheep management: grazing management

Sheep management: KT scheme deadline