Successful lambing starts at tupping

By Bryn Hughes
25 Sep 2024
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Practical management at tupping has a beneficial impact on both the profitability and practicalities at lambing. Effective and reliable marking lets you know which ewes have been tupped, by which ram and when! Barren ewes can be identified which saves winter feed costs, and ewes can be grouped by expected due dates. Tight grouping at lambing time can save labour and stress which leads to improved lamb survival at lower costs. Using a range of colour crayons, changed regularly also allows spotting of rams that are perhaps underperforming.

How to maximise the benefits

To maximise the benefits of marking you need a good well-fitting harness and a range of clear colours. During tupping, it is important to regularly check the raddle harness to ensure a good fit. As the ram may lose condition and the harnesses may slacken. Group ewes according to BCS and feed low BCS ewes 0.5kg Maize Cereal nuts, or grazing rolls for a month to increase body condition score, before flushing.

You also need to be confident that the crayons will stay in pace and last for a required time. Marksman Ram Crayons previously known as Sure Sired Ram Crayons are now not only suitable for use with Nettex harnesses but are also compatible with harnesses utilising a Click in and Out system.

They are still the same trusted and tested UK formulation trusted to deliver reliable results. Their long-life formulation allows more ewes to be marked per block, and like all Nettex identification markers, are approved by British Wool.

A good crayon is only as good as the harness, and Marksman Ram Harnesses have a unique crayon holder design ensuring firm & secure retention. Made in Britain by Nettex they are high quality to deliver strength and comfort without sharp edges that could cut or chafe.