Fluke forecast: The Department of Agriculture released its liver fluke forecast last week. The forecast uses Met Éireann data with regard to weather conditions last winter and rainfall during the summer and early autumn to predict the risk of liver fluke infestation. The report predicts a high risk of liver fluke in the West and in a number of regional locations in the north, midlands and south that experienced higher levels of rainfall days during the summer. The report also points to greater variation between locations in the amount of rainfall and, as such, predicts that many localised areas in the east will have a moderate risk and some areas in the south east (particularly farms on free-draining soils) will have a low risk of liver fluke disease.

Due to this variation the report advises farmers to be vigilant for any illness, ill thrift or mortality in their flocks with farms where fluke has traditionally been a problem are most at risk.

With acute fluke the greatest risk at present, farmers should note that there may be little visible signs of liver fluke disease and take the appropriate action to protect their flocks. When selecting products, it is important to ensure that the active ingredient will treat for early immature and immature fluke and not just adult liver fluke.

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Making use of all available information and investigating the health status of livers from lambs/ewes sent to the factory/butcher will also help in identifying the presence of liver fluke. Faecal egg counts are an aid in identifying the presence of fluke but do not give an accurate indication of the presence of acute liver fluke parasite.

Leave closed paddocks closed: A number of farmers have commented on the higher than normal growth rates due to mild weather conditions. With a cover of grass coming on the first paddocks closed, there is a temptation to go back in and graze these areas. This should be avoided. Grazing these areas may give a reprieve and delay the introduction of winter feeding but it will remove the chances of having a supply of grass next spring. Having sufficient grass available to graze ewes and lambs will be far more useful in reducing feed costs and labour.

Grazing forage & root crops: Strong growth this back end boosted the yield of forage and root crops. Fodder beet is a prime example of this with the yield of tubers and beet tops higher than previous years.

Where grazing sheep on forage or root crops, it is important to introduce animals slowly and provide a grass run back area. Where this is not possible, provide supplementary feeding and monitor animals closely while becoming acclimatised. The highest utilisation will be achieved with strip grazing. Depending on the duration of grazing, minerals and trace elements may need to be supplemented.

LambPlus deadline reminder: The deadline for pedigree flocks to sign up to the LambPlus scheme is Sunday, 15 December. Anyone wishing to sign up to the scheme or looking for more information should visit www.sheep.ie or call 1850601901.