Ram breeding performance

Breeding is either progressing well or is about to begin in a high percentage of mid-season lambing flocks. Ewes are generally in prime condition, which should allow them to come into season in quick succession. In the short-term this could put pressure on rams where there is a high ewe-to-ram ratio.

This can be particularly problematic where ram lambs have been purchased close to the start of breeding and are coming off a high concentrate diet and joined with ewes without an acclimatisation or transition period to a grass-based diet. This is an industry challenge that in the long-term needs to be addressed. In such a situation the ewe to ram ratio may unfortunately need be reduced to one ram lamb to 25 to 30 ewes, with breeding progress closely monitored. Ram lambs should ideally not be mated with ewe lambs as mature rams are more experienced in seeking out sheep in heat.

It is important to monitor the performance and breeding activity of rams to ensure ewes are being served correctly. It is not unknown for rams to appear to be serving ewes correctly, including raddling, while not actually mating satisfactorily. The only way this will be picked up is by spending some time observing mating. The greatest fault is rams mounting ewes as normal but not actually serving. This can be an issue with inexperienced ram lambs or those rams that are lame in the back legs, with mating not carried out due to pain being exacerbated when rams mount ewes and pressure comes on the point of pain.

Early pregnancy feeding

It is important to keep ewes on a high plane of nutrition for the first month of pregnancy to ensure optimum development of the embryo(s) and attachment to the wall of the uterus.

A lot could change in the coming weeks, with a spell of dry weather for example helping to extend the grazing season. However, it is important where supplies look to be vulnerable to take steps to stretch out the grazing season, with priority given to ewes. This may mean reducing demand from grazing lambs. Options available include housing lambs for indoor finishing, or testing the store market. The potential return from both avenues have reduced in recent weeks, with falling factory quotes squeezing prices, so it is important to do a budget and weigh up the best option.

Mid-pregnancy feeding

For earlier-lambing ewes in mid-pregnancy feeding, levels should be based on ewe body condition. Research has shown that a small level of weight loss in mid-pregnancy can have a positive impact on placental development and in turn ensure optimum delivery of nutrients to the foetus(es). However, for this to happen, ewes must be in a position that can afford a reduction in body condition yet allow them to remain on target to enter late pregnancy in a body condition score of 3 or above. It is also important to limit weight loss to 5% of body weight as a period of severe undernourishment and weight loss will have the opposite effect, leading to poor placental development.