Cumbrian mortality trials show the way
Cumbrian mortality trials show the way
Current low prices emphasise the need for optimum
flock productivity. In our lambing special, edited by
Emma Penny, we look at how attention to detail pays for a
Devon shepherd, how homoeopathy can help and colostrum
choice. Jeremy Hunt kicks off with ADASlambing trial
REDUCING lamb mortality and aiming to increase the number of lambs marked from 117% to 130% is the target for ADAS in its new Cumbrian demonstration flock.
Eycott Farm, Berrier, near Penrith is run by John and Peter Hall, who have agreed to let ADAS use the holding and its 1600 Swaledale ewe flock as one of the national network of farms involved in lamb mortality trials.
The farm has 190ha (470 acres) of in-bye and mowing ground and 290ha (716 acres) of unimproved allotment providing common grazing for 775 ewes. Land runs from 300m (980ft) to 600m (1960ft).
Currently, ewes are drafted after three crops. The oldest ewes are tupped in late October; the remainder, including shearlings, are tupped in mid-November. All ewe lambs are away wintered and none of the ewes are wintered on the hill.
Ewes are scanned, grouped and fed accordingly. The aim this year will be achieve 130% lambs marked. Last years performance from 1462 ewes showed 1720 lambs marked (117%) and 50 ewe deaths (3.5%), with 35 barren ewes (2%).
ADAS consultant John Rockliffe is monitoring the flocks performance this year.
"The overall aim is to increase lambing percentage, that is lambs marked to ewes put to the tup, to 130%. To achieve this the management will focus primarily on ewe nutrition at strategic times of the production cycle to ensure that appropriate target body condition scores are achieved," he says.
Ewes will be condition scored at weaning or at least eight weeks pre-tupping. This is considered an essential new strategy. The timing will leave enough opportunity to adjust the nutrition so that the target condition score of 2 can be achieved for tupping.
"Condition scoring at tupping ensures target scores have been reached. High correlation between condition at tupping and subsequent lambing percentage. The target score at tupping will be 2.5."
Ewes will be condition scored again in mid-pregnancy and feeding adjusted as required. Mr Rockliffe says there will still be time to adjust feed to achieve a condition score of 2.5 at this stage.
Following scanning, ewes carrying twins and ewes considered to be light in condition in late pregnancy, can be identified and given extra feed to reach the target of 2.0-2.5.
"Realising these condition scores, along with other management changes to take account of the larger number of twins, will hopefully achieve the 130% target for lambs marked," says Mr Rockliffe.
John Hall is enthusiastic about the project. Although the number of lambs marked has increased from around 104% over the last five years, he is confident that further improvement can be achieved.
"We believe we have a high standard of flock management, but one of the most frustrating things we have to cope with is the difference between the scanning figures and the number of lambs we actually rear.
"Our scanning figure can be around 145%. We assume the losses are caused by reabsorption," says Mr Hall.
The flock has not previously used condition scoring as a part of its management.
Correct condition scores through the season should help improve lambing percentage at John (above) and Peter Halls farm.
IMPROVING PERFORMANCE
• Condition scoring vital.
• Ewes scanned and grouped.
• Feed accordingly.
• Condition scoring vital.
• Ewes scanned and grouped.
• Feed accordingly.