Forcing lambs to graze out paddocks with lesser quality grass will significantly affect liveweight gain. The height at which lambs are removed from paddocks depends on the quality of the sward present.
For example, where lambs are grazing fresh aftergrass swards, there will be no problem grazing down to 4cm or 5cm – with quality generally being good right down to the base of the sward. In contrast, where swards have not being grazed tight in previous grazings, lambs may need to be moved on once the sward has been grazed to 6cm or 7cm, with weaned ewes used to graze out the sward. Alternatively, swards can be topped to improve the quality of regrowth.
Mineral supplementation
ADVERTISEMENT
Many hill sheep farmers selecting the measure of mineral supplementation of lambs pre weaning are currently treating lambs. Farmers need to ensure that the mineral supplement being used is licensed for use in Ireland and that the product used is listed as covering the required timeframe.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
Forcing lambs to graze out paddocks with lesser quality grass will significantly affect liveweight gain. The height at which lambs are removed from paddocks depends on the quality of the sward present.
For example, where lambs are grazing fresh aftergrass swards, there will be no problem grazing down to 4cm or 5cm – with quality generally being good right down to the base of the sward. In contrast, where swards have not being grazed tight in previous grazings, lambs may need to be moved on once the sward has been grazed to 6cm or 7cm, with weaned ewes used to graze out the sward. Alternatively, swards can be topped to improve the quality of regrowth.
Mineral supplementation
Many hill sheep farmers selecting the measure of mineral supplementation of lambs pre weaning are currently treating lambs. Farmers need to ensure that the mineral supplement being used is licensed for use in Ireland and that the product used is listed as covering the required timeframe.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS