Sheep Newsletter - February 2025

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In this month's edition:

• Winter growth and fertiliser application
  Over the winter, growth has been good in closed paddocks, which should provide flocks with a strong start following turnout. For those planning to spread fertiliser, pay close attention to the spreading dates as they vary between zones A, B, and C.
• Sheep Census deadline
  Postal submissions for the Sheep Census are now closed. However, online submissions remain open until February 14, 2025. To complete the process, log into your agfood.ie account or use the AIM services app.
• Investigating problems
  Health issues often increase in the weeks leading up to lambing. If you notice problems such as abortion in ewes or increased mortality during this period, do the following:
  • contact your vet promptly to address the issue; and,
  • submit samples to your local Regional Veterinary Laboratory to identify the cause.
• BETTER Farm Update - Scanning rates on target
  Frank Campion, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway looks at the results from pregnancy scanning on some of the lowland BETTER sheep farms. Scanning and pregnancy rates have for the most part been acceptable so far based on the past performance of the flocks.
• Flock biosecurity
  Every animal introduced to a flock or person working with stock poses a potential risk, particularly during the lambing period when infectious agents are more easily spread.
• Health & Safety - Slurry and calving/lambing safety
  With slurry, evacuate all animals and ventilate before you agitate. Select a breezy day and open all doors and outlets to provide a draught. Keep people away from the shed and agitation point for at least 40 minutes after starting. Keep the tank opening secure at all times. Beware of gas in buildings that are linked by tanks or drainage channels.
  Keep safe during calving and lambing. Use calving/lambing gates and pens. Keep a physical barrier between you and a calving cow at all times.