Lambing has been slower to increase in activity in the Athenry research demonstration flocks than in previous years. Lambing started last weekend and by Tuesday evening, there were about 30 ewes lambed. Philip Creighton, lead researcher with the trial, explains that in comparison to previous years the lambing spread is more balanced over a three- to four-week period.

Going on raddle markings, Philip expects next week to be the busiest week of lambing with weeks one, three and four pretty well balanced. This compares with over 80% of ewes lambing within the first 17 days in previous years. It is not a bad situation to be in as it is providing a reprieve to the current difficult weather.

Over 20mm of rain has fallen in Athenry in each of the last two weeks leading to a severe deterioration in ground conditions. No ewes and lambs have needed to be released outdoors as yet but this will change in the coming days as pressure on space ramps up. Today’s (Thursday) forecast is the best day of the week and the plan is to get ewes with single lambs and strong twins released. Tomorrow’s forecast is for more rain so the target is to get lambing pens cleared out over the weekend.

If this is possible, it will free up additional space which has worked well in previous years in allowing ewes and lambs to be grouped together for a day or two, if required. Experience has shown that this works best by grouping a maximum of two to three ewes and day-old lambs as any more increases the risk of mismothering.

Grass utilisation

Grass covers are good with an average farm cover of 973kg DM/ha at the last measure. Utilisation, however, will be the greatest challenge in the immediate term. Philip says the focus, if wet weather persists, will be to get the best balance between grass utilisation and ensuring the ewe’s growing nutritional demand is met.

“We have a good supply of grass but if weather doesn’t improve our greatest challenge will be utilising it. We are targeting letting ewes and lambs out to the driest paddocks with the best shelter first. Account also has to be taken of the dry matter of grass. At current levels, ewes may not be able to consume enough dry matter to meet demand. If weather stays this way, we will probably look at feeding some meal for a short period to make sure energy intake is ok. This will hopefully be short term and we will cut it out once weather improves.”

Clean and replenish

Individual lambing pens are set up in the passageway of the sheep shed, facilitating easy access from adjoining penning. This also allows pens to be erected and taken down quickly and works well in allowing all pens to be cleaned, disinfected and re-bedded with straw quickly. This approach has worked well in avoiding the buildup of disease.

Information is also being collected on ewes requiring attention and lambs needing assistance to suckle. Findings from previous years have shown that over 80% of lambs will suckle unaccompanied.