Breeding ewe lambs

The late spring and prolonged drought spell had a marked effect on lamb performance this year. While many farms are coming back on track, drafting rates and the average liveweight of lambs remains behind target on some farms. Liveweight is an important contributor to the success of breeding ewe lambs, with the general recommendation being that lowland ewe lambs should weigh at least 60% of mature bodyweight at time of joining. For example, for large-framed breeds with a mature weight of 80kg, this translates to 48kg. For lighter breeds with a mature weight of 75kg, the target is at least 45kg. Having lambs heavier than the target will deliver benefits by reducing the pressure on animals to cope with the demands of a high nutritional intake for gestation, maintenance and growth.

Final breeding checks

Breeding for many farmers in the most common mid-season production system is only a few weeks away. It is important to carry out any final checks – with ewe condition under the spotlight. Ewes that have failed to regain condition despite preferential treatment should be closely assessed and, in the absence of a reasonable reason for under-performing, considered for culling as it is likely they will continue to present challenges at lambing. Where there is a reason for animals falling behind target condition, such as hoggets that reared lambs or ewes that endured a hard year due to drought, then it may be beneficial to tweak plans to give these animals more time to recover. For example, some farmers will delay the start of breeding for these animals for one cycle or join them with a batch of ewe lambs. The feasibility of this approach will depend on labour availability and the desired length of the lambing season.

Tagging requirements

Mart managers and factory agents report confusion still remaining around the introduction of new tagging regulations from next Monday 1 October and have asked to repeat information on the changes coming into play. Tag suppliers can only supply electronic tags to producers from Monday, with the exception of conventional tags supplied to replace a lost tag as part of an EID tag set. Existing supplies of tags can be used until 1 June 2019 – ie farmers can continue to use slaughter tags for lambs leaving the holding of origin and travelling direct for slaughter, while a single conventional tag can be used for mart and farm-to-farm movements. Dispatch documents still need to be completed and accompany all sheep leaving the holding of birth.

Health precision: A lot of health treatments are currently being administered, with breeding replacements and store lambs moving onto farms in higher numbers, while many farmers will be administering treatments in advance of breeding. The efficacy of products administered is influenced greatly by the correct volume being administered. Ewe liveweight is an area that is frequently underestimated leading to inadequate volumes being administered. If we take Tullamore Farm for example, there is a spread of over 15kg between the lightest and heaviest ewes of a similar breed type. The other area worth addressing is calibration of dosing or injection guns, to ensure the desired quantity is being delivered.