Genotyping options: New options for genotyping were presented at a Sheep Ireland industry meeting this week.

Ciara Long told those attending that Weatherbys Ireland lab will now be processing DNA samples and this should provide a much shorter turnaround time with the potential to have results returned within a four-week period.

Farmers can order tags via the genomic ordering screen on www.sheep.ie. The samples will be circulated by Cormac Tagging three to five days later.

The breeder collects the tissue sample and returns in a pre-addressed envelope at which time Sheep Ireland will log the samples and submit to the lab.

The lab will genotype samples at the start of each week with the result file sent to Sheep Ireland and loaded on the database, which in turn will make the information available to breeders through their login access.

The sampling process will also allow scrapie status to be identified and in the future deliver some information on breed composition.

The next step is getting the test approved by the Department of Agriculture to allow scrapie status identified through the test to be certified which is a sensible development.

Genotype samples were subsidised in the past through the OviGen project and this is being opened up to all LambPlus breeders and breeds for a limited timeframe.

This will reduce the cost to €10 while the normal price for non-LambPlus flocks is €24.50 per sample.

The first 1,000 samples will be subsidised, with this policy reassessed when this number has been reached. At this stage, breed societies will be notified.

Ciara says the way samples are taken and handled will have a big bearing on the quality of the sample, which is integral to establishing scrapie status.

Samples should only be taken from dry and clean ears.

Disinfectant cannot be used prior to taking the sample.

It is advisable to refrigerate the sample as soon as possible but never to freeze and to send samples so they will not be sitting in the post over the weekend.

Temporarily splitting paddocks: Temporary electric fencing works well provided ewes and lambs are trained adequately at the start.

The most important aspect is ensuring ewes and lambs are held by the fence the first time they challenge it as if they become accustomed to breaking, they will be significantly harder to hold thereafter.

Training animals in a small paddock works well as it is more amenable to use more posts and ensure there is a good current running through the wire.

Some farmers also opt for four strands of wire at the outset where they think there is likely to be a greater challenge and drop back to three thereafter.

Where joining wire and using polywire or tape, it is advisable to make connections at the start of the reel as if wire becomes damaged it is easier to rectify.

Weeds: Growth of weeds has been rapid in recent weeks, with docks in particular becoming well established.

Weed control programmes are best aided by spraying at the correct growth stage.

The optimum treatment stage in grassland swards is the rosette stage or when plants are at a height of about 150mm to 250mm or 6in to 10in for docks, nettles, etc.

The growth pattern of thistles is different and optimum spray coverage is at a height of 200mm (eight inches).