Sheep
New app aims to simplify sheep movements
New app aims to simplify sheep movements The development of a new digital app named ‘AIM Services’ means sheep farmers can now notify their farm-to-farm movements from their phone. Launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, use of the app – which is optional – means that flock keepers […]
26 September 2023
Mating management – the success or failure of next year’s lamb crop
Mating management – the success or failure of next year’s lamb crop The annual mating cycle sows the lamb crop for the following year. The success or failure of next year’s lamb crop hinges on steps that have been taken over the past few weeks and steps that will be taken over […]
26 September 2023
Good handling units cut the workload and enhance safety
Good handling units cut the workload and enhance safety The TAMS 3 grants available for sheep handling facilities can help farmers cut their workload by 24 days per annum and reduce the risk of injuries. Damian Costello and Francis Bligh tell us more. A Teagasc study has found that good handling facilities […]
24 September 2023
Store lamb markets and the challenges and potential of store lamb finishing
Store lamb markets and the challenges and potential of store lamb finishing Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, joins Ciaran Lynch in the first of a two-part series on store lambs. In this episode, Michael discusses the current market condition for stores, some the challenges and the potential of store lamb […]
23 September 2023
Hill ram genotyping and sales
Hill ram genotyping and sales David Coen from Sheep Ireland is on this week’s OviCast to talk about progress in breeding in the hill sector. David discusses the impact hill genetics has on the national flock, SIS scheme and ram eligibility. We discuss the work by the 17 breeding groups over the […]
19 September 2023
5-star ewes deliver for productivity and profitability
5-star ewes deliver for productivity and profitability A display of sheep made a welcome return to the Teagasc exhibit at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois. The ‘ram task’ under the Sheep Improvement Scheme – which requires participating farmers to purchase a genotyped four or five-star ram over the […]
19 September 2023
Sharpening the sward
Sharpening the sward At Teagasc Athenry, researchers have been investigating the use of mixed swards in pasture-based sheep production systems. The results suggest increased diversity may be beneficial for animal performance. Lisa McGrane, Teagasc PhD Walsh Scholar, and Philip Creighton, Research Officer and Sheep Enterprise Leader, tell us more. In recent years, […]
19 September 2023
Better Farm Update: Lamb management and culling
Better Farm Update: Lamb management and culling Frank Campion, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway reports on culling and the management of low-level BCS ewes. The Teagasc BETTER farm flocks’ cull ewes have been marked throughout the year, and ewes will be checked for breeding faults again in […]
16 September 2023
Research update: Lamb performance in Athenry
Research update: Lamb performance in Athenry Fiona McGovern, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway, reports on the latest from the INZAC and breeding flocks at Teagasc, Athenry. Grass growing conditions are at an optimum for the time of year here in Athenry. All lambs in the INZAC […]
13 September 2023
Will ewe condition at mating effect performance next spring?
Will ewe condition at mating effect performance next spring? Dr. Fiona McGovern is on this week’s OviCast to discuss the impact of ewe condition at mating on ewe productivity. Fiona discusses the usefulness of body condition scoring as a management tool. She also explains the impact of condition on litter size and […]
12 September 2023