Sheep
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
Ewe Replacements – beware of selling the family silver
Ewe Replacements – beware of selling the family silver Many March born lambs are currently being weaned. Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc Athenry cautions not to make the mistake of selecting replacement ewe lambs after some of the best lambs have gone for slaughter or been sold. He advises selecting replacements at […]
22 June 2021
Irish Wool is at a Crossroads
Irish Wool is at a Crossroads Irish wools have always been renowned for their unique properties allowing their use in carpet and construction materials alike. Bernie Leahy, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinasloe, welcomes the investment in a feasibility study of Irish wool production. She outlines some wool success stories here Sheep were first […]
19 June 2021
Performance to 7 weeks on target, but keep an eye til weaning
Performance to 7 weeks on target, but keep an eye til weaning The lowland flocks in the Teagasc BETTER farm sheep programme have collected the 7 week lamb weights in recent weeks. Frank Campion, Sheep Researcher presents a summary of the weights saying “While performance to 7 weeks is on target, it’s […]
15 June 2021
Blowfly Strike Control Options
Blowfly Strike Control Options Flystrike may occur on any part of the body, most commonly around the tail, where the fleece has become soiled or infected with bacteria. Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor Tralee, talks about flystrike prevention options in the month of June, normally a high risk time for blowfly strike in […]
15 June 2021
Getting Lamb Performance Back on Track
Getting Lamb Performance Back on Track Watch out for poor lamb performance where grass supply may have been inadequate recently. March lambing flocks, where ewes have passed their peak milk supply and grass accounts for a bigger portion of the lamb’s diet may be most impacted. Teagasc Mayo advisor Andy Ryder has […]
12 June 2021