Farmers are being advised to get ewes in the correct condition ahead of tupping to avoid a second year of poor scanning rates.
It was widely reported that scanning rates were back 15-20% on some farms in 2022/23 because the drought-affected feed availability pre-tupping, this could happen again this year and farmers must plan ahead.
The nutrition of the ewe is key in achieving an optimum body condition score (BCS) at tupping, ensuring high levels of fertility, and a maximum lamb crop next season. It can take up to 6 weeks to increase a ewes BCS by one point, therefore it is important to act sooner rather than later.
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.
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!
