Mixed forage quality and variable ewe condition scores this year are putting extra pressure on sheep flocks ahead of lambing.
Grass growth nationally was 20% lower than average from March to August. But significant regional variation depending on rainfall and soil type means forage quality has also varied greatly.
While dry matter levels are higher than average across the country, metabolisable energy (ME) values range from 10.0 in the East Midlands to 10.9 in the West Midlands and Scotland.
Sheep farmer Tim Kelsey runs 440 Suffolk mules, Charollais mules, and North Country mules near Helmsley, North Yorkshire. He has reduced numbers lambing next year by 50–60 due to forage shortages.
Fodder beet
Ewes graze 17ha (43 acres) of fodder beet over winter. But early lambers – due in February – were turned onto it three weeks earlier than usual due to lack of grass. Mr Kelsey also lifts some beet to feed at lambing, but yields are down.
“Normally we’d average about 70t/ha, but this year it’s closer to 50t/ha,” he says explains. “We had 83mm of rain in September but very little before then, so there’s not as much leaf on the fodder beet.”
He’s also had to feed some ewes barley at grass, at 0.4 kg a day through a snacker, to improve condition before tupping. “Some of the early lambers have been about half a condition score lower than usual,” he adds.
Independent Sheep Consultant Nerys Wright says the variation in ewe condition and forage quality this year makes it vital farmers understand their own situation and plan accordingly.
Condition scoring
“The impact of condition goes back as far as weaning, with some ewes entering tupping in poorer condition due to a lack of grass. Even if ewe condition looks okay by eye, it’s vital to put your hand on their back so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
It’s then important to maintain that condition between tupping and scanning, says Dr Wright. “Even if ewes are on the fitter side, we advise against losing even half a condition score, as they need to be able to mobilise fat for milk production and lamb growth after lambing – not before.”
Condition scoring by hand along the short ribs and spine is the simplest and most accurate way to monitor condition. Target scores are 3.0–3.5 for lowland ewes at lambing.
“If the short ribs feel sharp and easily distinguishable, like your finger ends, the ewe is too thin. As fat cover increases, the bones feel more like knuckles or the wrist joint, indicating better condition.”
Dr Wright stresses the importance of grouping ewes according to condition and understanding forage quality – so feed can be accurately tailored to condition and litter size. Feeding should be a high priority, she adds.
“Getting the balance of energy, protein, and trace elements right is essential. If forage is in short supply, then prioritise animals according to their condition and number of lambs they’re carrying to receive the best quality forage available.