Selecting replacements

The ideal scenario where replacements are being selected from within the flock is where lambs have already been identified. Mid-season flocks will be starting to wean and draft lambs in greater frequency and where replacements have not been identified it is important to act quickly so that the most suitable replacements can be retained. It is advisable to initially select a higher number than is required so that further drafting of lambs that perform below what is anticipated can take place at a later date.

Yearling hoggets

Lactating yearling hoggets have had a pretty tough year in many flocks, with twin-suckling hoggets facing the greatest challenge. It is important to monitor the condition of hoggets and where body condition is a concern then early weaning is likely to be the best option. This will afford these animals a longer recovery period to regain condition ahead of this season’s breeding.

Remember also that it can take lactating hoggets longer to develop natural immunity to worms and therefore these animals should also be included in the farm’s worm control programme. It is also important to note that a change from hot weather to wet warm weather is likely to generate a spike in worm larvae numbers.

Drafting lambs

Lamb performance has benefited from higher temperatures and has been maximised where steps have been taken to keep on top of grass quality. A decision facing many farmers in the coming weeks is if it is worth drafting at a lower weight than normal for the final draft pre-weaning. This is related to lamb performance and the kill-out rate typically receiving a check from weaning and falling by 1% to 2%. Good-quality lambs will achieve an average killout of 47% to 48%, with creep-fed lambs potentially higher and lambs post-weaning generally killing 45% to 47%. The degree of the check in performance can be limited by having a source of top-quality grass available for lambs and clover swards are particularly beneficial.

Where there is a high percentage of lambs on the verge of reaching drafting weights, some farmers are considering delaying weaning with a good supply of grass present. This can be best carried out where lambs can graze ahead of ewes and ewes can be used to graze down swards. Delaying weaning for too long will only serve to hit performance and can also leave the interval for ewes to recover before next season’s breeding tight.

Sheep2018 Farm to Fork listings

Exhibitors interested in participating in the upcoming major event, Sheep2018 Farm to Fork taking place on 7 July in Mellows Campus Athenry, Galway, need to make immediate contact to be included in the event proceedings.

Entries received after noon on Friday 15 June will not be included in the official programme. Exhibitors can contact 091-845 274 or email sheep2018@teagasc.ie for more information on commercial exhibits.