After seven years of project work, the AHDB Challenge Sheep conclusion meetings were recently hosted at our client’s farms. Both Phil Pearse, Axminster and Rob and Anna Hawke, Salisbury, kindly opened their farms up to farmers and industry members from around the country to discuss the project findings on their farms. The project followed 6,000 breeding ewes from joining, for seven years or until they exited the flock.
•A ewe’s risk of dying reduces by 80% if body condition score increases from 2.5 to 3.5.
• Lambs grew an extra 45g/day from birth to eight weeks if their dam’s body condition score (BCS) was 3.5 or more versus a BCS of 2.5 or less.
• Mastitis was the highest reason for culling (at 29%), followed by empty (23%), poor condition (11%) and teeth (10%).
•Breeding ewe lambs can increase productivity, but only when then they are well managed.
Huge congratulations to both farms for seven years of data collection and engagement with the project. It has been hugely valuable to the industry and will drive positive change for ewe and replacement management.
Written By Charlotte Mouland Veterinary Surgeon
