Sheep
Lamb performance – playing catch up in the second half of the season
Lamb performance – playing catch up in the second half of the season Dr Frank Campion joins us on this episode of OviCast with an update on lamb performance and management on the BETTER farms. Frank starts off describing the bounce back in lamb growth rate on the farms in May and […]
21 July 2023
Prevalence and seasonality of trace mineral concentrations in sheep-grazed pastures
Prevalence and seasonality of trace mineral concentrations in sheep-grazed pastures Minerals perform many important functions in the body and imbalances (deficiency or toxicity) can have detrimental effects on the performance, fertility, health and profitability of livestock. An adequate supply of minerals is essential for maintaining optimum growth, health and reproduction of livestock […]
18 July 2023
Weaning lamb performance from the INZAC flock
Weaning lamb performance from the INZAC flock Fiona McGovern, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway reports on the latest from the INZAC and breeding flocks at Athenry. Thankfully over the past week, mid June, we have seen some thundery rain showers in Athenry, which were definitely needed […]
14 July 2023
The Genotyped Ram Task – what’s involved for lowland and hill producers?
The Genotyped Ram Task – what’s involved for lowland and hill producers? Kevin McDermott, Sheep Ireland Manager, joins this week’s OviCast to talk about the genotyped ram task that forms part of the Sheep Improvement Scheme. Kevin first explains what’s involved in the task for lowland and hill producers. He talks about […]
11 July 2023
Optimising ewe and ram condition ahead of breeding
0 Optimising ewe and ram condition ahead of breeding In this article, Glen Corbett, Soils and Environment Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare, offers advice on preparing your flock for the breeding season. It has been a strange year to date in terms of the weather we have experienced. The prolonged spell of dry weather […]
1 July 2023
Keeping a check on the worm burden
Keeping a check on the worm burden Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, is on this week’s OviCast to talk about managing the parasite challenge over the coming weeks. Damian explains what the burden is and he and Ciarán Lynch, host of OviCast, discuss the current challenge, monitoring worm burden and deciding when […]
30 June 2023
Growing Organics: Combining a sheep and tillage enterprise in Co. Laois
Growing Organics: Combining a sheep and tillage enterprise in Co. Laois Operating a mixed sheep and tillage farm in Errill, Co. Laois, the Stanley family have just marked their first decade of being fully certified organic farmers. A host of a recent Growing Organics demonstration farm walk, the farm is now in […]
25 June 2023
Time to consider weaning
Time to consider weaning The optimum age to wean lambs at is 100 days or 14 weeks of age. Leaving the lambs suckling the ewes for longer than this will have a negative effect on both parties, as the ewes will be competing with the lambs for grass. In addition, ewes need […]
24 June 2023
The sheep system in Gurteen Agricultural College
The sheep system in Gurteen Agricultural College This week’s OviCast podcast catches up with Ger Carey from Gurteen Agricultural College, who gives a run down of the 450-strong sheep system being operated. Ger brings us through the early and mid-season production systems, how this has changed to accommodate students and future plans […]
20 June 2023
Thousands descend on Gurteen College for Sheep 2023
Thousands descend on Gurteen College for Sheep 2023 Farm families from all corners of Ireland descended on Gurteen Agricultural College on Saturday, 17 June for Sheep 2023. The dedicated one-day sheep event treated thousands of visitors to a bounty of attractions from sheep showing, technical demonstrations and commercial exhibits to masterclasses in […]
20 June 2023