Wet weather management: While favourable autumn and winter grass growth rates have built sufficient grass supplies in general, poor underfoot conditions are preventing many farmers from getting early lambing ewes and their lambs turned outdoors. This week’s sheep feature on page 36 goes into detail on managing animals indoors until conditions improve and also touches on management of outwintered ewes.

Acting on scanning results: More farmers are reporting another good scanning with a high number of twin- and triplet-bearing ewes. For ewes carrying triplet lambs, concentrate supplementation should be introduced 10 weeks pre-lambing and gradually built up to 0.9kg to 1.2kg in the final week of pregnancy, with rates dependent on forage quality. Ewes should be penned together and management should be aimed at minimising stress. Remember, where 10 ewes may eat comfortably along a feeding barrier or trough in mid-pregnancy, this may reduce by one to two ewes in late pregnancy. Measures should be taken, such as introducing mobile troughs or additional feeding racks, to ensure ewes are not restricted when eating. Aim for a high-energy feed for late pregnancy feeding that has cereals and high-energy pulps at the top of the ingredient inclusion list.

Sheep scab and lice: Sheep scab has become apparent on more farms in recent weeks, with outwintered ewes quickly showing signs of wool soiled with clay from ewes scratching. In advanced cases, signs include scabby lesions developing and wool loss.

Plunge dipping, with sheep immersed for 60 seconds, will cover both scab and lice. If not dipping, ensure that scab is the problem and not lice, as many products that treat external parasites do not cover both scab and lice. If in doubt, consult your vet.

Sheep showers may provide a level of treatment, but they are not licensed for treatment of sheep scab. Some injectable products with the active ingredients ivermectin, moxidectin and doramectin treat sheep scab. Doramectin-based products have a single treatment claim, while Moxidectin-based products have a residual activity, meaning they also provide a protective component. Take note – some products require repeat treatment seven to 14 days later. Also, check withdrawal dates if treating sheep close to slaughter.

Where lice is an issue, some pour-on products treat and provide a level of protection against it. Others provide a level of treatment, but do not completely prevent it. If the infestation is bad, retreatment may be necessary. In this case, it is advised to explore potential avenues for plunge dipping. Plunge dipping provides cover for biting and sucking lice. It is also important to consider that both lice and sheep scab can be present at the same time.

Wool handling and shearing courses: Following recent growth in interest in sheep shearing, the Irish Sheep Shearers Association is hoping to raise wool-handling participation. Secretary Eileen Coffey is inviting those interested in partaking in a wool-handling course to make contact by emailing eileencoffey1982@gmail.com or by calling 087-7138 846. The association will also be running shearing courses, ranging from beginners to advanced, this spring. Dates, venues and the number of courses will be confirmed when interest levels are gauged.