Seamus Fagan from the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Veterinary Lab in Athlone joins us for the latest OviCast episode as we discuss various health issues this autumn. 

 

With many flocks completing the final check over ewes before going to the ram, Seamus highlights some of the teeth problems they have been seeing in the lab in recent years that are going under-diagnosed and how this is contributing to thinner ewes. 

 

We focus in particular on molar teeth problems in ewes, how they present and the impact that it can have. 

 

We also discuss other health issues seen this autumn - in particular clostridial challenges. 

 

Finally Seamus emphasises the importance of monitoring ewe condition over the coming months and investigating causes of ill-thrift. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Bimeda Vet, Rachel Mallet, joins us on this week’s OviCast as we discuss sheep scab and treatment options. 

 

Rachel first explains how sheep scab occurs, how it is spread and correct diagnosis. We then discuss the various treatment options for both conventional and organic flocks. 

 

We finish up discussing plunge dipping with Rachel highlighting best practice when completing this task.

 

For more information on mobile sheep dip operators go to:

https://www.bimeda.ie/mobile-sheep-dippers

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Catherine Egan, host of the Beef Edge podcast, joins us on this week’s OviCast as we catch up with Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, to get an update on the current situation and discuss management tips in the coming weeks.

 

Niamh first highlights the factors that have limited grass growth over the last number of months. 

 

She also comments on the long term Nitrogen fertiliser type trial at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, which provides an insight as to how different fertiliser types/formulations have performed under the same conditions and with N applied at the same time and at the same rate. 

 

Niamh discusses ways to reduce demand by scanning early to remove empty cows and cull ewes and the introducing of creep to lambs and weanlings.  

 

Coming into August, it is important to focus on building grass covers and Niamh explains the ways farmers can achieve this, as well as discussing fertiliser plans and the need to target slurry to replenish offtakes and completing fodder budget. 

 

Niamh then finishes up discussing her key tips for management in the coming weeks.

 

Further information is available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/

 

Subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Seamus McMenamin, Sheep Sector Manager with Bord Bia, is on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss current trends and the outlook for the sheep market in the coming months. 

 

Seamus begins by discussing current trade and throughput this year to date. Since spring, Seamus explains the impact reopening has had on lamb consumption both on the domestic and international market as well as the trends in international trade. 

 

He then discusses the prospects for the lambs and ewe trade over the coming weeks and months. 

 

Finally, Seamus highlights the potential market for organic lamb and some of the challenges both the organic and conventional lamb trade could face going forwards. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

 

Patrick Dunne, who is a participant in the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep programme, is on this week’s OviCast to discuss the impact of OPA on his flock and how he has addressed the issue over the past number of years. 

 

Patrick goes back a number of years to explain how it was impacting the flock and  the lack of awareness of what was causing it. He discusses how he went about getting a diagnosis and how he enlisted the services of Vet Patrick Grant to screen the flock via ultrasound scanning to detect infected ewes at an earlier stage.  

 

Using this information, he was able to reduce the level of OPA in the flock and the impact that has had in subsequent years on the health and productivity of the flock.

 

He discusses OPA, or to give it its full title Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma, which is also referred to as Jaggsiekete or more commonly wheelbarrow disease, and it is an infectious cancerous tumour that affects the lungs of sheep.  

 

The disease is spread through the inhalation of the virus from respiratory secretions, it is production limiting and as the condition progresses, the virus leads to the development of multiple tumours in the lungs which lead to the overproduction of fluid in the lungs and is nearly always fatal. 

 

Early detection relies on the use of ultrasound to detect tumours in the lungs at an early stage thereby for culling of these infected animals at an early stage and limit the spread and incidence in a flock. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Philip Creighton joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss grazing management as we head into the autumn. 

 

Philip starts off by discussing grass supply and demand across the country and the need to take stock of these for the coming weeks and months. He goes on to outline the grazing targets for the coming weeks. 

 

He discusses August fertiliser applications, the importance of  targeting P & K and lime applications at key areas before finishing up with some grazing tips for newly established clover swards and explaining the impact this has on a successful establishment. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With ram sales in full swing, Kevin Mc Dermott, Sheep Ireland Manager, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss using genetic information when making your purchasing decisions. 

 

First, Kevin highlights the benefits genetic improvement has in a flock as he discusses the results from on-farm validations. 

 

There is a discussion on what information is available for recorded rams in sales catalogues with Kevin highlighting and explaining the key areas to focus on. 

 

With over 1000 pedigree breeders recorded in LambPlus, Kevin explains the online ram search tool and how it can be used to identify rams right across the country. 

 

Finally, Kevin discusses this year’s sheep Ireland multibreed rams sale. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Post-graduate student, Sarah Woodmartin, and Dr Fiona McGovern join Ciarán Lynch on the latest OviCast podcast to discuss ongoing work examining the effect of companion forages influence intake, digestibility and methane production in sheep as part of a wider Grass2Gas project. 

 

Sarah first gives a bit of background to the project before discussing what is being examined, some of the preliminary results and their implications as well as future areas of interest. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Frank Campion joins Ciarán Lynch for this episode of OviCast with an update of how performance has stacked up on the lowland flocks at weaning. 

 

He discusses lamb performance and its implications for sales, feeding and finishing strategies on the farms. 

 

Frank emphasises the importance of assessing the weight of lambs and their expected finish time at this stage of the season. 

 

Finally, Frank highlights the importance of internal parasite control and monitoring worm burdens as the season progresses. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With ewes being weaned across the country it provides farmers with an opportunity to check udders for mastitis and other issues and remove these problem ewes from the flock.  

 

Ryan Duffy, Technical Vet with HIPRA, joins Ciarán Lynch on the latest OviCast podcast to discuss the implications of mastitis in ewes and offers some practical advice on the topic. 

 

Ryan explains the different types of mastitis that occurs, the need to cull ewes exhibiting any signs of infection, as well as the impact of udder and teat structure. 

 

He also discusses the drying off process and the impact that can have before moving on to discuss mastitis that can occur in the dry period.

 

Finally, Ryan offers his advice for flocks that encounter a high incidence of mastitis annually.

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With weaning occurring around the country, sheep specialist Michael Gottstein joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss some of the key management tasks over the coming weeks and the opportunity it presents to benchmark performance. 

 

They discuss various aspects of flock performance from ewe output to lamb performance to reasons for culling. 

 

Michael advises as to why it’s a good opportunity to assess lamb weights, batch lambs accordingly and establish finishing lamb group early and plan ahead. 

 

They discuss culling and taking advantage of the high cull ewe priced this season to tidy up flock performance. 

 

Finally, Michael encourages producers to examine how their flock has performed and think about what changes could be made to improve for next season. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

The Fodder Support Scheme opened for applications this week and sheep specialist Damian Costello joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to explain more about it.

 

Damian outlines the focus of the scheme  and the potential payment and key dates involved. 

 

He discusses eligibility criteria and maximum payable area plus explains how you can submit an application under agfood.ie and when payments are expected to be made. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Postgraduate student, Mark Dolan, and Dr Frank Campion join Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss some of the results of an ongoing study between Teagasc and UCD examining the potential of using forage diets alongside conventional systems to finish hill bred lambs post-weaning. 

 

Mark outlines the project now entering its third year and discusses the different forages grown, carrying capacities and lamb performance on the crops. 

 

Frank outlines where these crops have a role as well as some of their limitations in conventional systems. 

 

With increasing costs in lamb finishing predicted for the coming winter, Frank encourages those with an interest in the area to visit the open day in Teagasc Athenry on June 18th to find out more about the trial and the various options for lamb finishing.   

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

This week we talk to Dr Orla Keane about monitoring the parasite challenge in lambs. 

 

We discuss the challenge stomach worms poses from this point of the season onward with Orla talking about using faecal sampling to monitor worm burden, explaining the process, what’s being tested and what the results mean. 

 

Orla also discusses the thresholds for dosing and the factors that influence the rise in worm counts. 

 

We move on to discuss drench testing to determine dose efficacy and we finish up highlighting best practice around faecal sampling and why it should be used on farms. 

 

For more information go to: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/flock-health/anthelmintic-resistance/

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

This week’s OviCast is joined by post-graduate student Lisa McGrane and Dr Philip Creighton to discuss some of the results of an ongoing study between Teagasc and UCD examining how companion forages – chicory, plantain, red and white clover - perform alongside a perennial ryegrass sward in sheep systems. 

 

With four years data collected, Lisa discusses what impact these forages have had on ewe and lamb performance before moving on to discuss the impact of this on drafting, concentrate supplementation and carcass spec. 

 

Keeping some of these forages in the sward can prove challenging, and Philip explains this in more detail as well as some of the aspects they are examining that may help improve persistency. 

 

Finally with the upcoming technical open day in the Athenry Research Centre looming Philip highlights how this is an ideal opportunity to hear more about Lisa’s work and the other ongoing studies in Teagasc.

 

To find out more about the upcoming sheep open day why not watch the following short clip: 

https://youtu.be/2mL4AqygOso

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Frank Campion joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast with an update on what’s been happening in the BETTER farm flocks. They discuss grass growth, surpluses and silage and some of the management challenges during the past few weeks. With the first round of weighing complete for the lowland flocks, Frank outlines how lambs are performing this spring. They discuss the variation among flocks and across years and discuss how early lamb performance can actually impact management for the rest of the season and examine the options to reduce poor performers. Finally, Frank offers his advice on keeping lambs on track for the coming weeks. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Natascha Meunier from Animal Health Ireland is on this week’s OviCast podcast to tell us more about the Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH) parasite control consult which is a new fully funded programme from Animal Health Ireland. Natascha starts by putting the challenge of resistance in context and why we need to proactively address it. The parasite control consult is available to cattle and sheep farmers and Natascha explains the aim of the programme and what it offers farmers who wish to participate. The TASAH programme will fund a veterinary farm visit from trained practitioners and two faecal egg counts, we discuss how this provides an ideal opportunity to start looking at the resistance status on farms. We finish up with Natascha explaining how to register for this programme and avail of this initiative this season. To find out more about the TASAH parasite consult please visit the dedicated page on the Animal Health Ireland Website: https://bit.ly/TASAH_Parasite_Control For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Following on from the previous episode, Ciarán Lynch is re-joined by Dr. Tim Keady to discuss some of the various factors that influence silage digestibility. Tim covers a wide range of factors from harvest date and pre-closing management to heading date and sward type and he also discusses the pros and some cons to wilting. Tim explains the potential to make high quality later in the season and offers some tips to achieve this. He discusses the impact of poor preservation and the role of additives with Tim explaining how these work. He also highlights the impact of chop length on stock performance. Finally, Tim summarises the key points to consider to produce high feed value silage. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

As silage season is kicking off, this week’s OviCast is joined by Dr. Tim Keady to discuss the importance of focusing on quality. Tim highlights why high feed value silage is essential for the coming year and the opportunities it presents. Tim sets the target of producing 75+ DMD silage to sustain high levels of performance and allow for concentrate saving in the coming winter. He discusses the impact of silage quality on the performance pregnant ewes and beef systems before then discussing the concentrate sparing effect of high quality silage - something that will certainly come into focus in the coming winter. Finally, Tim discuss how much high quality silage is required in the system. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With clover more in focus than ever, this week’s episode of OviCast is joined by Germinal’s Dr Mary McEvoy to discuss in more detail. Mary outlines the role of clover in swards and its potential benefits and talks about the different establishment methods from a full reseed to over-sowing. She discusses field selection, sowing rate and a number of other key factors that will influence its success. Mary then takes us through pre and post-sowing management to ensure good establishment while in the latter half of the podcast she discusses the potential of red clover in sheep systems with Mary outlining the advances that have been made in breeding to improve the varieties available. Download the Teagasc Clover booklet here: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2021/Management-and-establishment-of-grass-white-clover-swards.pdf For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Maresa Sheehan from the Dept. of Agriculture’s Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Kilkenny joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast with an update on some of the issues she and her colleagues are encountering at the moment. The relatively mild winter and spring has helped many farms but it has also posed a risk for various parasite challenges from fluke to Nematodirus and Coccidia which are discussed in more detail. Maresa highlights how April tends to be a high risk period for clostridia issues as the maternally derived immunity in lambs wanes leading to sudden deaths in lambs arriving in the lab. She then discusses some of the chronic diseases affecting ewes and on this theme, Maresa discuss a new project that will get underway this year which will hopefully shed some light on those thin, pining ewes in flocks. Finally, Maresa encourages farmers to investigate health issues in their flock as it is the first step to addressing the issue. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr James O’Shaughnessy from the Dept. of Agriculture Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Backweston joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss Nematodirus disease in lambs. James starts by describing the life cycle of Nematodirus and how it differs from other stomach worms. He discusses how it affects lambs and the symptoms to watch out for and he also discusses the limitations of faecal egg counts for this condition. With the recent release of this year’s Nematodirus forecast, James explains how to use this information and how prevailing weather conditions can affect this from year to year. James moves on to discuss treatment options, offering some insight on the choice and timing of treatment before then discussing the risk of concurrent infection with coccidiosis and how to approach this. Nematodirus can cause severe damage to young lambs and James advocates making use of the regional veterinary labs where sudden losses occur to confirm the cause. Finally, James highlights the importance of correct dosing technique when treating for Nematodirus. The 2022 Nematodirus forecast can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/da3e5-department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marines-2022-nematodirus-forecast/#:~:text=The%20maximum%20Nematodirus%20egg%20hatching,term%20average%20of%20soil%20temperatures For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Co. Kildare sheep and beef farmer, James Johnston, and his Teagasc advisor Dr Rachel Taylor join Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to give an insight into his system, grassland management and how he is addressing some of the challenges going forwards. James first outlines his farming system before discuss grazing groups and the use of temporary fencing, fertiliser and soil fertility. Rachel and James outline the plans for this year’s silage crop, the importance of completing a fodder budget and the role high quality silage has for the winter ahead. Finally, James outlines how he is incorporating red clover into his system in a new reseed and his plans for over sowing white clover into targeted areas each year going forwards. For those interested in completing a fodder budget that Rachel outlined can do so here: http://interactive.teagasc.ie/Open/FeedChecker For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

The focus for this week’s episode of the OviCast podcast switches to grassland with Ciarán Lynch joined by Dr Philip Creighton to discuss the key priorities for April. Philip starts by discussing the current grazing situation before then moving on to discuss the key management tasks from grouping up to temporary fencing with Philip explaining the impact this has on grass growth and animal performance. He offers some advice on fertiliser application during April and the impact that this has on the system. He then discusses planning next year’s winter fodder on farms emphasising the need to focus not only on quantity but quality silage. Finally, Philip highlights the upcoming round of spring grass walks that will be held nationwide. For more on food and fodder security go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/food-and-fodder-security/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

On this week’s OviCast we’re taking a grazing focus and are joined by Philip Creighton. 

 

We discuss grass supply and sward quality and some of the factors that are influencing it at the moment. 

 

We move on to  discuss management options for the coming weeks and finish up the episode discussing fertiliser applications. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Tim Keady joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss the management of triplet rearing and yearling ewes post-lambing. Tim starts by highlighting the need to have a system to deal with multiples in prolific flock outlining the various options that are available. He takes us thorough the economics of rearing the third lamb on a ewe and discusses the energy requirements post-lambing with Tim outlining the supplementation strategy to make up the shortfall. Plus he outlines the role of condition score and suitability of ewes to manage in this system. Similarly Tim talks about his work with yearling or one year old ewes and how they need separate management, highlighting their nutritional requirements and the potential supplementation strategies to ensure they stay on track. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With many farms in the middle of lambing, this week’s OviCast focuses on artificial reared lambs with Michael Gottstein Head of Sheep in Teagasc. Michael starts off by highlighting the need to have a system in place to deal with orphan or pet lambs on farms. He outlines the various systems available and the importance of getting them set up on the feeder system early. As this can be a costly system mainly due to the milk replacer input, we discuss the importance of grouping up lambs in weekly batch sizes to facilitate their transition to cold milk and introduction of concentrate and roughage, with Michael outlining a number of practical tips to help prepare them for weaning. Finally, Michael outlines the target inputs for the system and the costs involved. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Vet Tommy Heffernan, aka Tommy the Vet, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss joint ill infection in lambs. Tommy starts by explaining the condition in a bit more detail and then discusses the bacteria that can cause the condition and their potential sources. Tommy describes the presentation of the condition, routes of transfer and how that infection affects the joint. He also highlights how doubling down on the basics of hygiene and colostrum management have a big impact on reducing risk of the condition. For treatment, Tommy offers his insights on effective treatment methods before finishing up with him urging farmers to revisit the basics and look at making the overall system easier to operate during lambing. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Vet Cara Sheridan, ruminant technical advisor with MSD Animal Health, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss various aspects of dealing with orf on farms. Cara starts by explaining a bit more about the condition, where it typically occurs and some of the predisposing factors. She discusses the vaccination process detailing the timing of administration and interval until immunity is reached. Cara then takes us through the actual vaccination procedure highlighting some practical tips and pitfalls before finally, discussing treatment options in the face of an outbreak. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

As we head into peak lambing season we also start to encounter flock health issues on farms and on this week’s OviCast is Dr Shane Mc McGettrick of the Department of Agriculture Regional Veterinary Lab (RVL) in Sligo to discuss this issue in more detail. Shane starts by encouraging farmers to submit samples where they encounter problems with abortions or increased mortality this spring and to identify the cause and start to address the issue. Shane describes the common issues they see in the lab at this stage of the season and takes us through the submission procedure for samples and what is required as well as discussing the timeline from submission of samples until results are available. As some of the conditions that cause issues on farms are zoonotic, particularly in the case of a number of the abortive agents, Shane highlights why we need to take extra care to protect human health. He also discusses why aborted ewes should be isolated form the main flocks early to minimise spread and finally, he urges caution when considering purchasing foster ewes and introducing them to the flock during this busy period. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast with a preview of the Teagasc Hill Sheep Conference that is taking place on Thursday, 24th February in the Clayton hotel in Sligo at 7pm. This marks the return of the conference to an in-person event but as Damian explains, there is also an option to join online via Zoom with registration - details are on the Teagasc webpage. Damian profiles the speakers and the topics that will be covered on the night and how they have a broad appeal to many in the industry, and not only those directly involved in the hill sector. Finally, Damian explains how attendees, both in-person and online. will have the option to ask questions of the speakers on the night. For more details please visit: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/hillsheepcon22.php For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

This week’s OviCast is the second part of the discussion on colostrum with Professor Tommy Boland and he discusses how colostrum impacts the lamb. Tommy starts by explaining the various roles colostrum has once it is consumed by the newborn lamb and how each of these affects lamb survival and performance. He highlights the importance of ensuring the lamb consumes sufficient quantities of colostrum quickly after birth and how this affects the transfer of immunity from the ewe to the lamb. Tommy discusses the colostrum alternatives that are available and what role they play, and why caution is needed when using them. Finally, Tommy offers his insights on how colostrum intake not only influences lamb survival and passive immunity,, but also plays a role in the early development of the rumen and impacts on subsequent lamb performance. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Ensuring lambs receive adequate colostrum is vital to get them off to the best possible start and making sure ewes have adequate supplies is the starting point for this. In a 2-part special, Professor Tommy Boland joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss this important topic in more detail. Firstly, Tommy focuses on the factors that influence colostrum production in the ewe and he explains the various functions of colostrum. Tommy discusses how production starts and the quantity a ewe needs to produce with Tommy explaining the various nutritional factors that have an impact on the quantity and quality of colostrum a ewe produces. He also explains the effects that ewe body condition, age and breed have on colostrum production and details some of reasons for poor milk let down in ewes post-lambing. Finally, Tommy discusses why the importance of getting management right not only ensures adequate colostrum production, but also sets the ewe up for early lactation. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Following on from last week’s OviCast, Michael Gottstein joins Ciarán Lynch on the latest episode to discuss planning a fertiliser budget for your farm this year. Michael starts by discussing the challenge that increased fertiliser prices pose on farms and why it’s important to take action now. He explains why it’s important to look at your overall fertiliser spend on farm now and take into account what merchant credit and alternative credit is available to avoid the situation of unforeseen debt later in the year. Michael outlines a practical example of a fertiliser budget that he completed for a farmer this spring. He details how the farmer will incur an increase in spend but, through product substitution and a slight reduction in application rate, it will still allow the farmer to spread 80% of the nitrogen he used last year with the budget available. Michael discusses the option for some farms to reduce stocking rate by selling unproductive stock and why it’s a year to focus on the basics of grassland management and correcting soil pH. Finally, Michael encourages farmers to complete a fertiliser budget and seek assistance from advisors in completing this task where necessary. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2022/virtual-sheep-conference-2022.php For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Grassland researcher, Dr Philip Creighton, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss various aspects of grassland management this spring. Philip starts by discussing current grass availability on farm with the higher than average winter growth. He moves on to the topic of fertiliser purchases this spring and Philip emphasises the need to complete a budget for the fertiliser spend on the farm this year. Philip explains the impact that timing, conditions and grass covers have on response rates for fertiliser this spring and he also discusses tailoring fertiliser application rates depending on stocking rate and demand on farm. With producers considering alternative feed supplies, Philip highlights the pitfalls of relying on purchased concentrate to make up the shortfall in feed supply where fertiliser isn’t applied. Philip also discusses using available slurry and FYM and why compound P & K will need to be applied on recent reseeds, where clover has been established, and low indexed silage ground where needed. He encourages farmers to consider conducting a soil test this year and to apply lime where needed. Finally, Philip highlights how getting grazing groups established early will be key to managing supply this spring with reduced fertiliser input – a topic OviCast will revisit as spring progresses. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us on this week’s OviCast to discuss weaning options on farms. 

 

We discuss the current situation on farms, challenges with grass quality and why weaning now is beneficial. 

 

Michael explains the weaning process with some useful tips and management of the ewes and lambs post-weaning. 

 

We finish up discussing some of the areas we need to address at the moment from parasite burden to mineral supplementation to tackling lameness. 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With the Teagasc National Sheep Conference just around the corner, this week’s OviCast was joined by Dr. Fiona McGovern to give us a preview of what’s in store this year. Fiona starts by discussing the format and topics covered in this year’s conference which takes place online over two nights on Tuesday and Thursday the 25th and 27th of January at 8pm. Fiona and Ciarán discuss the line-up of speakers with Fiona giving the highlights of the papers on both nights. Finally, they finish up with Fiona explaining how you can register for this year’s conference. To find out more and register please visit: www.teagasc.ie/sheepcon22 For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Advisor, Christy Watson, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss the importance of tacking soil fertility. Christy starts by explaining why now is the ideal time to take soil samples on farms to determine the fertility status and identify areas that need attention. Christy takes us through the soil sampling process from how many samples per hectare to the correct collection method and he discusses the importance of acting on the result with Christy highlighting potential savings that can be made by reducing compound usage on high indexed grazing ground this year. However, Christy also highlights the need to make best use of slurry and farmyard manure on silage ground, highlighting the P and K offtake that occurs on an annual basis and the impact this has on yields. Finally, he explains the importance of liming and why this is the first port of call when addressing soil fertility issues. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Shane Moore, a Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme participant who is farming outside Athleague in Co Roscommon, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast. Shane starts by giving a quick re-cap on how mating went this year before discussing closing up his grazing ground this winter and housing the flock earlier than expected in December. Shane describes the new sheep house that he put up last year and how it left management of his flock a lot easier. He explains this year’s scan results and how he plans to split the flock up for penning on the basis of litter size and expected lambing date. Finally, he discusses silage results, his feeding plans and why he feels it’s important to start supplementing his pregnant ewe lambs early. For more on the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme visit: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/better-farm-sheep/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Tomás O’Toole, a Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme participant, who is farming in Moyard outside of Clifden Co Galway, and sheep specialist Damian Costello, join Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast. Tomás runs a split hill and lowland flock and a suckler to weaning system which he explains in more detail. He discusses the changes in his flock over the past number of years and his decision to run two separate sheep enterprises, his breeding decisions and the progress and challenges he has encountered on the way. Tomás explains the move away from selling store lambs to finishing all lambs on the farm and his reasons for doing so, while Damian highlights how this suits Tomás’ system but that it may have limitations for others. With the lighter hill lambs housed in October, they discuss the indoor finishing of these and how Tomás feels it’s delivering a greater margin for his system. Finally, Damian highlights the need for regular drafting and assessing fat cover on these type of lambs during intensive finishing period. For more from the Teagasc BETTER Sheep farm programme: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/better-farm-sheep/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Drs. Tim Keady and Bríd McClearn join Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to explain the EuroSheep project which is a thematic network involving eight partner countries. Tim gives some background to the project and its aims while Bríd explains how the project is being implemented, firstly by identifying the needs from each of the countries. Bríd also explains how they drew on the resources within each country to come up with solutions to these needs. Tim discusses how practical ‘tips and tricks’ are being collated to facilitate the implementation of the solutions at farm level and Bríd explains how the distinct messages from the project are being disseminated to the wider industry through social media and the EuroSheep website as well as the upcoming national workshop which will be held next May. To find out more about the project visit their website at: https://eurosheep.network/ or the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/EuroSheep/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme participant, Eddie Gavin, his Teagasc advisor Eoin Wolfe and Programme manager Dr Frank Campion join Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss wintering on forage crops. Eddie, who is farming near Bagenalstown in Co Carlow, gives a bit of background to his farming system and flock. Managing a split flock, Eddie discusses the performance of the early lambing ewes and how mating has gone for the mid-season ewes. He moves on to discuss his use of forage crops to carry the ewe flocks during the winter months, describes what was sown and how he is managing grazing the crop. With a good autumn Eoin chats about how crops have yielded locally this year and the high levels of utilisation that was achieved during the early stages of grazing. Eddie explains how he plans to graze the crops post-lambing with the early lambing ewes and how the multiples in the mid-season flock will be housed after scanning with only the singles and replacements remaining on the crop during February. Transition of these crops with ewes in late pregnancy can be tricky and Frank explains the potential risks and offers advice on how best to manage the nutritional change during this period. Finally, Eoin tackles the question of possibly using these crops to finish store lambs as opposed to wintering ewes. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Tim Keady joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss various aspects of winter grazing and how it impacts ewe performance. Tim starts by discussing the potential mutual benefits of moving sheep to winter grazing both for the flock owner and host farmer and he also discusses the role of extended grazing before moving on to discuss the frequency of grass allocation with Tim offering his tips on managing grazing at this stage of the year. Tim explains the feed values of grass during the winter, the factors that influence it and how it affects ewe performance by comparison to ewes being feed on a grass silage indoor system. Tim also offers his advice on managing ewes in outdoor wintering systems and some of the pitfalls to avoid. Finally he finishes up discussing winter grazing dry ewe lambs with Tim highlighting some weight gain targets, advice on how to achieve them and why it’s important to avoid setbacks during this phase of production. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, is on this week’s OviCast to discuss the Sheep Welfare scheme. Damian starts by giving some background to the scheme before discussing the changes to the reference number for the coming year and what this well mean for participants. He also reminds us of the various tasks in the current scheme and the proposed changes for the planned next phase as well as the suggested payment rate. Damian reminds participants of the importance of maintaining records and necessary receipts before he then discusses the options for new entrants to the scheme. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Noirín McHugh and postgraduate student Edel O’Connor join Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss the ongoing project examining methane emissions in sheep. Noirín first highlights the importance of this work in the current climate, while Edel explains how they are using portable accumulation chambers to measure emissions from up to 72 sheep per day in Teagasc Athenry and on commercial farms. Edel explains how much methane different ages of sheep emit and how this compares to other livestock while they discuss the variation observed in the level of emissions from sheep and Noirín explains how they have collected records on over 7000 sheep and examined the underlying genetic component. She describes how this will be incorporated into the Sheep Ireland Index in the future to breed lower emitting sheep similar to what has happening in New Zealand. Finally Noirín acknowledges the support to get this project off the ground which is one of the first of its kind in the northern hemisphere. Find out more about the project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgdlLaDjiPU For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

As part of Animal Health Awareness week, on this week’s OviCast are Department of Agriculture Vets Caroline Garvan and Damian Barrett. Damian begins by explaining the objective of Animal Health Awareness week and its importance in the current climate while Caroline explains why Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major concern and the concept of the one health approach. They discuss the usage within the sheep sector and how the overall industry figure is calculated and Caroline explains why some types of antibiotics are deemed critically important due to their use in human medicine and how the route of administration can impact the development of AMR. Both Damian and Caroline discuss how good animal health can impact productivity, how we should approach health issues on farms and ways sheep farmers can reduce their antibiotic use. They move on to discuss some of the health challenges facing the sector at present and discuss the programme of informative webinars that will take place as part of this year’s Animal Health Awareness week that runs from 18th-24th November. For more information: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/45f45-antimicrobial-resistance-amr/ http://www.animalhealthsurveillance.agriculture.gov.ie/currentnews/lambliverflukeantibodytestresults-september2021.html For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Jayne Harkness-Bones, Depot Manager with Ulster Wool, joins us for this week’s OviCast to discuss the factors that influence the quality of wool, the challenges in the marketplace in recent years and what happens to the wool from purchase until it reaches market. 

 

We talk about shearing, wool handling and storage, with Jayne highlighting some simple practices to make the process easier and improve the quality of the wool harvested. 

 

In the latter half of the podcast, Jayne who is also a council member of the Irish Grown Wool Council, discusses some of the work they have been involved in to realise the potential of wool, develop further opportunities and provide support to the industry. 

 

For more information on some of the items discussed see the following links:

https://irishgrownwoolcouncil.com/

Preparing for Shearing: https://youtu.be/QiyvrF9g-dc 

Top tips on how to harvest wool at shearing time: https://youtu.be/qO8HJdMsmME 

 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Presenting lambs clean at the abattoir becomes more challenging as the year progresses and on this week’s OviCast, Ciarán Lynch is joined by Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep in Teagasc to discuss this topic further. Michael starts by explaining the Clean Livestock Policy (CLP) and its importance, highlighting the key areas on the lamb that cause issues and how the industry has implemented changes to address this. He discusses the predisposing factors that will lead to lambs becoming dirtier and what practical steps can be taken at this time of the year to reduce this. He also discusses remedial clipping and its role, with Michael highlighting the need to ensure that transport vehicles are clean and suitable for the task. Finally, Michael summarises the key areas for producers that are finishing lambs in the coming weeks and months can focus on to help keep lambs clean. Find out more: https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2017/clean-livestock-policy-for-sheep-a-guide-for-sheep-producers.php https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2017/clean-livestock-policy-for-sheep-a-guide-for-sheep-transport.php For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

As liver fluke is a large risk at the moment, Teagasc’s Dr Orla Keane joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss selecting the appropriate treatment for this stage of the season. Firstly Orla gives a quick recap on the risk that fluke poses and the stages of its development. She discusses the various classes of flukicide available with Orla explaining what stage of fluke they are suitable to treat and the role others could play later in the season. Orla highlights the challenge of using combination fluke and wormers as part of routine fluke treatment in adult sheep and why it’s better to use a targeted flukicide; she also discusses the situations where these combinations could be put to better use. Finally, Orla highlights the need to use a flukicide that targets the immature stage of liver fluke at this point in the season. A summary of flukicides licensed for sheep in Republic of Ireland can be found here: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/Products-licensed-for-control-of-parasites-in-sheep.pdf For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Damian Costello, sheep specialist with Teagasc, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss temporary grazing this back end. Damian highlights some considerations when taking on temporary grazing and how it can benefit both parties involved. He emphasises the need to ensure all animals are tagged before leaving farm and he discusses at length the various movement notification considerations for a variety of scenarios. Damian also takes us through the need to retain movement records afterwards and how to apply for credit under the nitrates regulations. For more detail, here is the link to the NSIS guide: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/93969/c539786b-96ba-4500-89ec-a9f020779cea.pdf#page=1 For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast