Research update: Lamb growth rates from Athenry

Philip Creighton, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway details the latest news from the Sheep Research Demonstration Farm, Athenry.

Lamb growth rates during July and August were well behind normal here in Athenry, averaging only 130g/head/day. A major issue contributing to this was the high rainfall levels experienced (254% of normal in July and 119% of normal in August), which led to very low grass dry matter (DM) levels of 12-13%.

This has had a negative effect on DM intake and subsequent performance. The warm and wet weather also resulted in a high parasite challenge, which also reduced growth rates at times.

Performance increased during September when weather conditions improved, with growth rates of 165g/head/day recorded. We are 15%-20% behind on lambs drafted up to late September, with 50-60% of lambs finished from groups to date.

This year, for the first time, we have sown an area of forage crop to aid with lamb finishing and to try reduce the parasite challenge on the farm going into the autumn. Our aim is to use this forage crop to reduce the need for concentrate supplementation of lambs. We are introducing lambs to the crop when they reach 38kg and so far performance has been good, with growth rates averaging ~220g/head/day.

Grass growth here in Athenry averaged 77kg DM/ha/day in July, 61kg DM/ha/day in August, and increased in September to 64kg DM/ha/day. The final round of nitrogen (N) was applied in late August to ensure adequate grass growth for the autumn.

This article first appeared in the Teagasc Sheep Advisory newsletter for October. Access the entire publication here.

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