Bryn Hughes

Liver fluke can cause significant issues in both sheep and cattle. The risk varies throughout the year, meaning different approaches are needed to manage the challenges.

Fertility is the key driver in all flocks as the number of lambs reared will infl uence the farms profitability. Ensure both ewes and rams are in a good Body Condition Score (BCS) prior to tupping (3.5). Remember it can take up to six weeks to increase a ewes BCS by one condition score.

Pre-season preparation is the key to minimising problems, reducing losses and achieving a higher lamb yield per ewe, which eventually will lead to improved daily liveweight gain and increased margins.

During late pregnancy a ewe’s immune system becomes weakened, therefore the worm burden that is usually kept subdued can flourish and an increased number of worm eggs can be released onto the pasture.

When, how and how much are frequent queries when it comes to feeding milk replacer to lambs. Getting this right can be the key to raising healthy, profitable lambs.