We have been working with many of our sheep farmers to put flock health programmes in place. One of the ways to improve flock health is through the targeted use of blood tests to detect disease and deficiencies and to monitor nutrition.

One area of concern for many farmers is trace element deficiencies. In order to determine whether deficiencies exist, we blood sample a number of ewes several weeks after weaning. These samples are then tested for trace elements such as copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine.

We often combine the knowledge gained from these blood tests with forage analysis to give a comprehensive picture of the trace element status of the farm.

We often see selenium and iodine deficiencies in our practice. We can then advise clients whether they need to supplement with boluses, drenches or feed additives. We typically see a good response where supplementation is required in terms of reduced barren rates, improved scanning percentages and better lamb vigour.

On certain farms with a history of abortion or high barren rates, we can also target some ewes for blood testing for common causes of abortion such as toxoplasma or enzootic abortion.

While laboratory testing of aborted foetuses and placentas during the lambing season is the preferred method of diagnosis, we can still use blood testing if this was not carried out at the time.

When lambing approaches and with the increasing emphasis on feed budgeting, we should not take our eye off the ball when it comes to nutrition of ewes in late pregnancy.

There will be large variation in quality of silage this year and given ewes are often fed baled silage, it can be difficult to accurately calculate the energy and protein levels provided.

We can blood test ewes four to six weeks before lambing to monitor nutrition. At this stage, we can check energy balance and blood protein levels. It is better to detect any potential issues and correct any deficits in advance of clinical issues occurring.

Mark Drought works at Avondale Vet Clinic Arklow, Co Wicklow. Avondale Vet Clinic is part of XLVets. XLVets is a group of progressive practices who are working together to achieve a better future for agriculture and veterinary in Ireland. For further information, go to www.xlvets.ie.