Sheep
How to check if wormers are working on your farm
How to check if wormers are working on your farm As livestock graze pastures they are constantly picking up gastrointestinal nematodes, also known as stomach worms. Orla Keane, Research Officer in Infection Biology, tells us how to deal with them. These parasites cause disease, including scour and ill-thrift. Sheep develop immunity to […]
15 August 2023
Weaning early a good move
Weaning early a good move Frank Campion of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway reports on how early weaning worked well on some of the BETTER sheep farms. As mentioned in the July update, some of the flocks took the decision to wean lambs off the ewes […]
13 August 2023
Looking for an SIS-eligible ram?
Looking for an SIS-eligible ram? The DAFM Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) provides financial support to farmers for taking extra steps to improve the welfare of their flock. Farmers get €12 per breeding ewe for completing flock welfare measures, Ignacio Mullin, Sheep Ireland, tells us more. The targeted welfare areas include: Lameness control; […]
11 August 2023
Market challenges for the sheep sector
0 Market challenges for the sheep sector Bord Bia Sheep Sector Manager, Seamus McMenamin joins Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, on the latest OviCast podcast to give a market update. Seamus discusses current levels of throughput and some of the challenges being seen with light carcasses at present. He also touches on the […]
9 August 2023
Getting to the bottom of infectious lameness
0 Getting to the bottom of infectious lameness The prolonged wet and damp conditions witnessed across the country in recent weeks can facilitate the spread of infectious lameness conditions such as footrot within sheep flocks, Jake Delaney, Teagasc Athenry, tells us more. Many flocks have already reported high rates of scald during the […]
8 August 2023
Preparation for the breeding season starts now
0 Preparation for the breeding season starts now Most mid-season flocks are still concentrating on maximising lamb performance and trying to get lambs ready for the market place, but the new sheep year is just around the corner, Eamonn Patten, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe, tells us more. The mating season is still months […]
5 August 2023
Designing a sheep handling unit
0 Designing a sheep handling unit Edward Egan, Teagasc Advisor, features on the latest OviCast episode to discuss designing a sheep handling unit. Having good handling facilities can reduce labour, improve both safety and welfare for handler and sheep alike and also encourages timely, preventative actions. Edward talks about the booklet he produced […]
2 August 2023
Quarantine procedures for sheep coming onto the farm
0 Quarantine procedures for sheep coming onto the farm Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, outlines best practice for binging new animals onto farm. The July to September months each year see a lot of movement of breeding stock and store lambs between farms. The risk of buying in animals carrying infectious disease or […]
1 August 2023
Guide to Flock Biosecurity
Guide to Flock Biosecurity Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, tells us that good flock biosecurity protocol is important for the overall improvement in health, welfare and productivity of animals, and will reduce the incidence of disease on farms. There is a lot of movement of sheep between farms, and marts this time of […]
30 July 2023
TAMS III Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme: Sheep Handling Equipment
TAMS III Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme: Sheep Handling Equipment We’re joined on the latest OviCast episode by Teagasc Advisor, Edward Egan, to talk to us about the sheep handling equipment available under the TAMS III Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme. We discuss what the grant aid rates are and how these […]
25 July 2023