New guidelines aim to reduce disease risks to sheep at shearing as the sector strives to maintain flock health this season. As shearing gets into full swing, the National Sheep Association (NSA) and other industry bodies are reminding farmers that good biosecurity hinges on effective communication between different parties.... Read more
Like it or loathe it, electronic identification in the sheep sector has made monitoring lamb growth rates easier than ever, writes Nerys Wright. Although official aggregated data is unavailable – and much of the research is diet-specific – knowing the daily liveweight gain (DLWG) of your lambs is invaluable... Read more
A new forecast is helping sheep producers accurately predict the timing of the next nematodirus outbreak, writes Nerys Wright. Significant variations in weather conditions make forecasts difficult from year to year. But when an outbreak does occurs, it can rapidly cause severe harm or even death in a large... Read more
• Helps improve flock management • Easy to operate strict culling policy • Integrated farm assurance scheme State-of-the-art data management is helping an organic sheep producer run a more efficient flock. A strict culling policy and close monitoring of lamb weights during the finishing period are the keys to... Read more
Part 2: Choosing a compound feed Following last month’s article on optimising forage, this month we focus on selecting a compound feed to complement your forage analysis, writes Nerys Wright. Seasonal variations in forage quality mean the same compound feed and quantities may not be suitable in every situation... Read more
• Viable alternative to feeding warm milk • Advantageous at different growth stages • Can help save time during busy periods Feeding cold milk to surplus lambs makes no difference to growth rate – and can ease the workload during a busy season, suggests a study Some 58% of... Read more
A bluetongue outbreak on a Norfolk farm has reignited concern about the virus – and the need to keep vigilant for the disease. Veterinary experts and industry leaders had warned it was only a matter of time before bluetongue was confirmed in the UK this year – likely to be... Read more
Sheep farmers with surplus lambs to rear over the 2024 lambing season are being encouraged to make the most of these newborns’ early life growth potential to boost flock returns. Maximising lamb numbers sold per ewe is a key benchmark for a successful sheep farming enterprise. This mean rearing... Read more
Unusual weather patterns are having a big impact on the risk of liver fluke across the UK, say livestock experts. The level and timing of the disease risk is becoming later with the first losses last year no reported until late November, according to the Sustainable Control of Parasites... Read more
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