Sheep
Schmallenberg still a threat
Schmallenberg still a threat First identified in Ireland in October 2012, Schmallenberg still remains a threat to Irish sheep flocks and cattle herds. As part of a recent Let’s Talk Sheep Webinar, Audrey Jenkinson, a Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the National Disease Control Centre at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the […]
13 February 2025
Investigating abortion in ewes – causes, prevention and management
Investigating abortion in ewes – causes, prevention and management Lambing is fast approaching for many mid-season lambing flocks. Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, Damian Costello takes a closer look at the various causes of abortion in sheep, preventative measures and critical management tasks if abortion is suspected. Ovine abortion primarily occurs for two […]
12 February 2025
3 cost effective solutions for recording data at lambing time
3 cost effective solutions for recording data at lambing time Lambing time can be one of the most labour intensive times on sheep farms but it can also be a great opportunity to learn more about our flocks to try and improve them for the future. Teagasc Research Officer, Dr. Frank Campion […]
11 February 2025
Scan results & managing ewe condition in late pregnancy
0 Scan results & managing ewe condition in late pregnancy As lambing season approaches, we are joined by Dr. Frank Campion to discuss key aspects of managing ewe condition at this critical stage of the production cycle. Frank begins by analysing the latest scan results from the BETTER farms and comparing them to […]
9 February 2025
Less obvious causes of thin ewes identified
0 Less obvious causes of thin ewes identified Results of a major study which has shed light on some of the less obvious causes of thin ewes in Irish flocks were shared with those attending the Teagasc National Sheep Conference last week. Facilitated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Regional […]
6 February 2025
BETTER Farm Update: Getting feeding right
0 BETTER Farm Update: Getting feeding right Dr. Frank Campion of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway reports on pre-lambing nutrition on the BETTER sheep farms. The focus for the mid-season lambing flocks in the programme will be on pre-lambing feeding plans. All of the farms took silage […]
5 February 2025
Feeding Hill Sheep Prior To Lambing
0 Feeding Hill Sheep Prior To Lambing Offering tips on feeding hill sheep prior to lambing, Enda Maloney, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Westport, tells us why feeding ewes before lambing is essential for both the health of the ewes and their lambs. The last six weeks prior to lambing is critical for the ewe’s […]
4 February 2025
Setting the foundations for a strong year ahead
0 Setting the foundations for a strong year ahead Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, tells us that despite challenges in 2024, Brian and Blathnáid Keane’s farm in Enniscorthy, continues to thrive. Through good management, they’ve navigated weather setbacks, improved grass recovery, and set the stage for a strong year ahead. Brian […]
4 February 2025
Does your sheep race meet these key requirements?
0 Does your sheep race meet these key requirements? An effective sheep race can lessen the workload on sheep farms, reducing the labour input associated with many routine tasks. But is your race fit for purpose or do you often find yourself struggling to get ewes to enter? As part of last week’s […]
4 February 2025
Reducing the number of thin ewes makes management easier
Reducing the number of thin ewes makes management easier For a small investment in time, sheep farmers can make considerable improvements to the performance of their flock. That’s according to Dr. Frank Campion, pictured below, a Research Officer in the Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, who […]
31 January 2025