Sheep
Liver Fluke on Farms
Liver Fluke on Farms As autumn approaches, both dairy and beef farmers can be fairly sure of the prospect of having Liver Fluke in their stock. Teagasc advisor Niall Treanor gives information about Liver Fluke and advice on treatment options. The Liver Fluke parasite, Fasciola hepatica, is a parasite which affects cattle, […]
24 August 2021
Ram Factors for the Breeding Season
Ram Factors for the Breeding Season When sourcing the ram it will pay to know as much as possible of the previous flock history. It only takes one animal to import numerous disease issues. Eamon Patten, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe has a wealth of advice here on having a good ram for […]
21 August 2021
Assessing supply and demand for the autumn rotation
Assessing supply and demand for the autumn rotation As we move into the latter part of August it’s important we start to plan and implement an autumn grazing plan on farms. Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, discusses grassland management, assessing the flock’s grass demand, and building grass supply. As some of the […]
17 August 2021
Culling and Body Condition Scoring your Flock
Culling and Body Condition Scoring your Flock Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor in Tralee, Co. Kerry, discusses culling and body condition scoring your flock. Culling is one of the most important jobs on a sheep farm & should take place once ewes have dried off after weaning. Culling Experience in culling is vital […]
15 August 2021
High Genetic Merit Belclare Sires Having the Desired Effect
0 High Genetic Merit Belclare Sires Having the Desired Effect Francis Gonley and his family run an all sheep farm on the outskirts of Sligo town. The farm is part of the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, reports the latest on sheep performance and farm plan progress. The […]
7 August 2021
Ewe Replacement Policy
0 Ewe Replacement Policy As farmers complete the annual health check on their ewe flock to determine soundness for breeding, it is certain many will need replacing. To maintain current ewe numbers 23 to 25% is the average replacement rate for most flocks. Sheep Specialist Damien Costello has advice on replacement policy. The […]
3 August 2021
Quarantine drench – Avoid bringing resistant worms on to your farm
Quarantine drench – Avoid bringing resistant worms on to your farm At this time of year a lot of sheep move between farms, whether its rams, breeding females or store lambs. Any new sheep entering flocks pose a potential biosecurity risk, in particular the risk of bringing resistant worms with them. Ciaran […]
27 July 2021
Understanding pasture contamination and its implications for management
0 Understanding pasture contamination and its implications for management The current parasite challenge on pasture is made up of Nematodirus and other Strongyles larvae. While Nematodirus does not pose a large risk now don’t be surprised if it shows up in faecal egg count results. Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist explains this and […]
7 July 2021
Sustaining the Effectiveness of Wormers in Sheep
0 Sustaining the Effectiveness of Wormers in Sheep At this time of year sheep farmers will be using wormers or anthelminthics to control gut worms in sheep. Enda O’Hart, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Castlerea, has clear advice in just four actions that sheep farmers can take to prolong the efficacy of commonly used wormers […]
4 July 2021
Sward height is key to lamb growth
Sward height is key to lamb growth Finishing lambs as quickly as possible from grass is one of the biggest challenges on a sheep farm. A key target for early to mid-March lambing flocks is to have 50% of lambs finished off grass by early September. Edward Egan, Teagasc Advisor Navan, has […]
27 June 2021