Dr. Sarah Woodmartin, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway reports on the latest from the Sheep Research Demonstration Farm.
Since weaning, lamb growth rates have averaged 161g/day on grass only, 198g/day on grass plus white clover, and 191g/day on grass plus white clover plus plantain. Lambs are weighed every two weeks and drafted for slaughter as they reach the target slaughter live weight. Ewe lamb replacements have been identified but are still running with the main groups.
Average ewe body condition score (BCS) has been maintained at 3.0 since weaning. Replacement rates for the flocks this year are averaging 25% across groups, and we will reassess the ewes again prior to mating.
Faecal egg counts continue to be monitored in lambs. We did see a rise in egg counts in mid-July and lambs were treated accordingly, with counts remaining relatively low since.
Grass growth
Grass growth has been strong, with total pasture grown to date averaging 7.8t DM/ha (up to mid-August). All winter feed requirements have been met, with an average surplus of 15% silage made across the farmlets. To date, 85% of the total nitrogen (N) allowance for both high (120kg N/ha) and low (75kg N/ha) N treatments has been spread. The final N application will occur in late August/early September to ensure sufficient autumn grass growth.
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