Time Ewe Got Organised

By Nollaig O’Dowd, B&T Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare

As the year is drawing to a close, we look to the beginning of 2024. One of the first tasks on the agenda of sheep farmers should be the scanning of ewes. For many it’s as greatly anticipated as the arrival of Santa himself. For those in the majority, aiming to begin lambing around St. Patrick’s Day, a January scanning date should be scheduled. It’s one of those seasonal jobs that everyone wants done at the same time, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with your scanning man or woman!

Timing:

The ideal time to scan ewes is 80-100 days after ram introduction. From 100 days on it is difficult to determine the exact number of lambs the ewe is carrying. On the other hand, it is important to ensure scanning takes place at least 35 days after all rams have been removed. If less than 35 days pregnant, a ewe may appear barren (empty) and later surprise you with a June lamb!

Preparation:

For the most accurate ultrasound results, ewes should be fasted for a couple of hours before scanning. This may mean gathering the flock the night before or early that morning. Ask your scanner if they are providing marking spray to identify the empty ewes, those carrying singles, twins, triplets and so on. If not, you better hope Santa lands some under the tree.

Using your Results:

What use is scanning if you don’t act upon the results?

Scanning results leave you with valuable information which can be used to increase the productivity and profitability of the enterprise. In other words, it has a huge influence on the lambing season ahead. Ewes can be segregated depending on the number of lambs they are carrying and fed accordingly. Scanning results along with forage quality determines the timing and rate of meal feeding. Meal feeding commences first with the triplet bearing ewes, followed by doubles and then singles.

Empty Ewes:

Identifying ewes not in lamb is a huge saving for both time and money. These ewes can be sold immediately, reducing the pressure on forage and the meal bill coming up to lambing.

Triplets:

Identifying ewes carrying triplets ensures you give them the extra TLC they need: more feeding/lying space, earlier feeding and closer observation at lambing time. You can also plan ahead as to what you will do with your triplet lambs i.e. Leave them on the ewe, Foster lambs, Rear on a bottle or feeder, Advertise them for sale?

Body Condition:

Scanning can be a good time to get a feel for the ewe’s body condition, placing a hand on her back whilst she’s in line to be scanned. At this stage, it’s not too late to positively influence her performance lambing down.  For example, under conditioned twin bearing ewes can be grouped with triplet bearing ewes and put on a higher feed plan. The target body condition score (BCS) at lambing for low land ewes is between 3-3.5. Having ewes lamb down in the correct condition influences; lambing ease, milk production, lamb vigour and reduces metabolic diseases such as milk fever or twin lamb disease.

Fertility Performance:

For many, the ideal scenario is to have a ewe running around the field with two lambs by her side come spring time. Therefore, the target scanning result is 200%. However, this isn’t always the case and year on year improvements can be made to achieve this figure. Many factors have an influence on scanning percentage such as the breeds of ewes & rams used, ratio of rams to ewes, age profile of the flock, body condition of ewes, minerals and vitamins.

Housing:

The housing of ewes on many farms will take place over the next few weeks due to the shortage of grass supplies and the large amount of rain fall we are experiencing.  Two essential points to keep in mind when housing ewes are both lying and feeding space, both having an impact on ewe performance and lamb mortality. The table below outlines the minimum floor and feeding space required by ewes of different weight categories- bear in mind these requirements may increase as the ewes become heavier in lamb.

Minimum floor and feeding space requirements (Teagasc)

Sheep Improvement Scheme:

Many farmers participating in the 2023 Sheep Improvement Scheme opted for the Category B action of ‘Scanning and Recording’ results. Your scanning information should be recorded in your Sheep Improvement Scheme record book. In addition, a receipt and copy of your results should be got from your scanner and kept in-case of an inspection.

Contact your local Teagasc Advisor for advice on pre-lambing nutrition and housing requirements of ewes.