It is important to monitor the condition of ewes in the run-up to breeding and segregate ewes falling below optimum condition for preferential treatment. This risk of failing to identify these animals is heightened where ewes have been put back to hill grazing and are not being handled frequently.

The upshot of taking remedial action and addressing body condition is particularly advantageous in the Scottish Blackface breed, with litter size very responsive to improvements in condition score and liveweight. Hitting the optimum body condition score will also improve conception rates and help to tighten the lambing interval. Offering ewes falling below target better-quality grazing, if possible, or supplementing with concentrates or feed buckets will help. It is also important not to forget to monitor the condition of rams being used on the hill. A small level of supplementary feeding in the run-up to breeding is very beneficial if rams are falling below target condition.

15% of dogs still not chipped

Sheep prices: steady with signs of more life

Sheep management notes: Condition more important than ever with recent weather

The recent poor weather conditions are affecting the performance of all sheep, with the high moisture content in grass restricting dry matter intake, writes Darren Carty.