Breeding appears to be progressing nicely in Tullamore Farm. Ewes were flocked on Wednesday to allow rams to be changed between groups.

In previous years, mature ewes and hoggets were mated in their respective groups, but this year the flock is carrying out single-sire mating. This will allow performance to be optimally recorded and assessment of variance in performance between different sires and dams.

Groups

The mature ewe flock of 130 ewes was split into three groups, with each group joined to a Texel ram. The 50 ewe hoggets were also split into two groups and joined with a Charollais ram.

Rams are being changed between groups after the first cycle to reduce the effect of one of the rams being sub-fertile. Any issues will be quickly picked up this week if there are a high number of repeats.

Breeding is progressing well, with 86.6% of mature ewes and hoggets raddled in the first 15 days

Mature ewes will remain in their groups for another week to 10 days, after which stage they can be rejoined into one or two groups for ease of grazing.

Farm manager Shaun Diver reports breeding is progressing well, with 86.6% of mature ewes and hoggets raddled in the first 15 days of breeding.

There have been a few minor issues with scald in rams, but regular attention has kept on top of any significant issues.

Breeding in ewe lambs has also commenced, with Charollais rams joined on Wednesday. Ewe lambs will be joined for one cycle, with rams removed at the same time as mature ewes and hoggets.

This is to maintain a tight lambing spread and reduce labour in a busy period that will quickly move from calving to lambing and then AI in the suckler herd.