With next Easter falling on 27 March, mating is now only a few weeks away for those hoping to capitalise on the Easter market. Allowing lambs 12 weeks to achieve target weights from 1 January means that ewes need to be served by 7 August. Anyone planning to sponge ewes will need to insert them by 24 July for 1 January lambing.

Ewes should be weaned for at least six to eight weeks to allow them to have dried off and return to better grass for flushing before breeding. Thinner ewes may need to be separated and condition-monitored.

Parasites should be addressed in conjunction with faecal sampling and discussion with your vet about the best dosing protocol for your flock based on historical treatments and resistance in the area/flock. Vaccination programmes should be put in place now to avoid excessive handling at breeding. Abortion vaccines need to be given at least three weeks before breeding. Speak to your vet now and order early to avoid delays.

The ram is half the flock, so check rams six to eight weeks before the breeding season and again at turnout. Body condition score (BCS), teeth, feet and testicles should be checked, even in mature rams that have been previously used. Any doubts should be checked by your vet and semen-testing carried out, if necessary.

Rams should be fit not fat, with a BCS of 3.5 to 4 out of 5 and older rams may benefit from additional feed in the run up to turnout. New rams should be purchased early and allowed to acclimatise to new conditions. One mature ram per 30 to 40 ewes is the usual guideline. But those wishing to sponge ewes will need to have additional rams and possibly stagger sponge-pull to ensure that all ewes are properly mated, eg six to 10 ewes per ram pulling half the sponges on day 12 after insertion, half on day 13.

An injection of PMSG on removal of sponge will help conception/twinning rates, if required.

Paul Barnes works at Kilcoyne Veterinary, Wolfe Tone Sq, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo. Kilcoyne Veterinary is part of XLVets. XLVets is a group of progressive practices working together to achieve a better future for Irish agriculture and veterinary. Visit www.xlvets.ie