After the annual sheep scanning took place last week, the next task on Tullamore Farm was to winter shear and separate the ewes to prepare for housing and start the correct feeding regime for lambing season in eight weeks.
We’re back at Tullamore farm today, to talk to Shaun about winter shearing and feeding regime for ewes coming up to lambing. Stay tuned throughout the day to see the latest updates. @farmersjournal @FJBeef @diver_shaun @Niamh_gunn pic.twitter.com/jxyEpOyh4X
— FJ Sheep (@FJSheep) January 17, 2022
Winter shearing has been taking place over the last number of years on Tullamore Farm, with the main reason for shearing being to utilise space more efficiently in the shed.
There have been further benefits identified here at Tullamore Farm with the introduction of winter shearing. These include easier monitoring of ewe body condition and a heavier lamb at birth, which has had a positive effect on lamb mortality figures.
Watch Shaun explain why we winter shear and the benefits of winter shearing the ewes on Tullamore farm. @farmersjournal @diver_shaun @FJBeef @Niamh_gunn pic.twitter.com/QjSmKwdrr9
— FJ Sheep (@FJSheep) January 17, 2022
Shaun will start to feed the triplet-bearing ewes six weeks out from lambing, which means feeding will start on 1 February.
All ewes will be fed with a high-protein ration and good-quality silage, starting with triplets on the farm, followed by in-lamb ewes with twins and then followed by singles.
Ewes with triplets will be starting at 0.2 kg/day of concentrates in two weeks and will gradually build up to the rate of 1kg/day one week before lambing commences.
Ewes scanned with twins will start feeding six weeks out from lambing, but will receive fewer concentrates, with 0.7kg/day being fed 10 to 14 days prior to lambing.
FInally, singles will be moved indoors next week and will receive 0.5kg/head/day three weeks prior to lambing.
Tune into see what levels of feeding ewes scanned with triplets, twins and singles will be receiving prior to lambing. @farmersjournal @diver_shaun @FJBeef @Niamh_gunn pic.twitter.com/UrmcxBKYPp
— FJ Sheep (@FJSheep) January 17, 2022
Farm manager Shaun Diver said: “In the last six weeks, lambs will do most of their growing in the ewe. This can place a huge demand on the ewe.
"Concentrates with soya can provide energy, which is important to prevent diseases such as twin lamb disease and also [to] maintain a good body condition in the ewe. This ensures good colostrum production at lambing.”
Shaun explains why he adds concentrates to the feed and what he looks for in the ration when feeding ewes for the upcoming lambing season.@farmersjournal @diver_shaun @FJBeef @Niamh_gunn pic.twitter.com/E8EJL1jYca
— FJ Sheep (@FJSheep) January 17, 2022
The next job on Tullamore Farm is to carry out the first grass walk of 2022. Stay tuned to www.farmersjournal.ie for our next update from Tullamore Farm.
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