Lactating hoggets: While the grazing season has been pretty kind to lactating animals, 2018-born hoggets rearing lambs will still be under much more pressure than ewes and require a longer recovery period. As such, there is merit in considering early weaning with the focus now on ensuring performance for next year’s breeding season is not compromised. Lots of farmers lambing significant numbers of hoggets wean at an average age of 11 to 12 weeks in lambs.

At this stage milk yield will be low and there will not be a major drop off in performance. It is important to continue to keep these hoggets in their own batch for preferential treatment. They can be combined with ewes falling below target body condition to reduce the number of grazing groups but at all times the focus must be on recovery and achieving as much weight and growth before the start of this year’s breeding season.

These animals will typically be running anywhere from 15% to 20% behind their counterparts which may have been run dry so there is a lot of catching up to do. Another aspect to keep in mind is worm control as it takes lactating hoggets longer to build natural immunity. This will be particularly the case for animals that are under pressure. Taking a faecal egg count will give a good indication as to the worm burden.

Early lambing ewes: It may seem strange to be talking about getting ready for breeding when the majority of farmers are approaching weaning. Flocks lambing on 1 January are less than five weeks away from breeding. It is important to check the body condition of these ewes to ensure they are still on track. Feeding should be targeted at maintaining condition in ewes that are in adequate body condition. Management of ewes that are in excessive condition will depend on the breeding start date. There is little merit in starving ewes as it is better to feed to maintenance where breeding is starting in the next few weeks.

Rams have had a long layoff and should also be given a good health check with particular focus put on the tone and fitness of rams and foot health. This is especially important in a synchronised breeding programme. Where rams are in too strong of a condition there is no merit at this stage in compromising on their nutritional intake. Taking steps to promote activity will deliver benefits.

Scald in lambs: There are also more reports of scald in lambs. The ailment is caused by bacteria present in soil and faeces, with infection establishing through damaged skin. It can be identified by a pink/red inflammation between the hoof claws with a white or grey paste like scum on the surface. If untreated, it can progress to footrot. Footbathing or the application of an appropriate foot spray will be sufficient to treat and keep on top of infection.

Copper and zinc sulphate remain the two most common products used and should be diluted at a rate of 10%. Care should be taken when using formalin, with dilution rates of 3% to 5% recommended. Early intervention is important and will greatly cut down on the risk of an outbreak occurring. Running sheep through a footbath after routine handling will help keep on top of the incidence.