Sheep Newsletter – November/December 2025

By Sheep Specialist Team

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In this edition:

• Grassland
  Management decisions in autumn directly affect grass availability for ewes at lambing. To ensure sufficient grass in March, begin closing paddocks from mid-to-late October. For March-lambing flocks, start with sheltered paddocks near the lambing area that will be grazed first.
• Mating management
  As the breeding season progresses into its latter half, it’s vital to guard against ram infertility. Top up raddle using darker colours (green → red → blue → black) and monitor repeat activity. If issues occur, act promptly.
  • Managing rams post mating
    Rams are a valuable investment, and good post-mating care supports their longevity and fertility.
• Flukicide withdrawal date changes
  The withdrawal period of two closantel-based flukicides, Flukiver and Solantel has changed to 56 days from 42 days. Be aware that package leaflets for product already on the shelf might still state 42 days.
• Housing finishing lambs
  When housing finishing lambs, ensure they are dry, as wet fleeces can take up to a week to dry indoors. Avoid housing lame lambs – separate them until fully treated. Dose for internal parasites before housing, following withdrawal dates carefully.
• BETTER Farm Update – Focus on replacement females
  Frank Campion, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway reports on ewe liveweights and BCS at mating on the BETTER sheep farms. Autumn closing plans are beginning as mating progresses on the lowland flocks. Comparatively dry weather conditions this autumn have meant high grass utilisation and growth rates. Ewe BCS at mating on the flocks assessed at the time of writing was good.
• Research Update – Mating and finishing lambs
  Sarah Woodmartin, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway shares the latest from the Sheep Research Demonstration Farm. Rams were turned out to ewes on October 10. Ewes were mated with either Belclare, New Zealand Suffolk, or Texel rams based on their breed and genetic background. The average body condition score (BCS) of ewes at mating was 3.8, which is up nearly 0.50 of a condition score compared to the same time last year.
• Health & Safety – Stay safe when working at height
  Over the last 10 years, there have been 37 fatalities as a result of falling from height. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) lists common hazards as falls from ladders, unprotected roof edges, falling from or with stacked bales, and falling through fragile roof materials. Take time to assess the task properly, and use competent contractors, safe equipment and safe systems of work.