Many flocks are presently commencing breeding of ewe lambs, with some aiming to lamb ewes after the first cycle, or cycle and a half for mature ewes.

The upshot of this approach is mature ewes potentially available to cross-foster lambs on to, a shorter lambing spread and extra facilities available to give yearling hoggets and their lambs longer indoor time if required.

With variable lamb performance this year, it is worth checking if lambs are on target for breeding. The general recommendation is for lambs to hit at least 60% of mature weight at breeding.

For ewes with a mature weight of 75kg, this equates to 45kg, rising to 48kg for larger-framed ewes, with a mature weight of 80kg.

Ongoing Teagasc research in Athenry has shown that the chance of a yearling rearing a lamb is boosted significantly the heavier they are going to the ram.

The breeding season should be limited to four weeks, to avoid an unnecessarily prolonged lambing period.

Sheep management notes: breeding for hill flocks

Sheep management notes: sheep welfare scheme

Sheep management notes: breeding ewe lambs

This week's notes cover breeding strategies for hill flocks, a recap on the sheep welfare scheme mineral supplementation option and breeding ewe lambs.