Sheep Improvement Scheme Summertime Actions
By JJ Connolly and Daniel Hession
Introduction
There are a number of actions as part of the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) that participants must complete before 30th September 2023. Here we outline key points relating to these actions.
Lowland flock actions
Parasite Control (Faecal Egg Count)
- Parasite Control (Faecal Egg Count) must be carried out on lambs on two separate occasions, between 1st June and 30th September 2023.
- Samples should be taken in sufficient time to allow for laboratory testing prior to 30th September for lowland flocks.
- Post samples, along with the completed Sheep Improvement Scheme sample submission form, on the day of sampling, or the following day at the latest.
- For hill flocks submit 1 faecal sample from lambs within 4 weeks post weaning.
Faecal sample kits including instructions are available in your local Homeland Store.
Flystrike Control
- Participants must incorporate a flystrike programme for the prevention of flies during the months of flystrike risk.
- Sheep should be assessed on a scale of 1-5 for the presence of dags (1 = chronically affected and 5 = clean/no dags) at least once during the period 1st of June to 30th September 2023 and dagged accordingly.
- The times of intervention and the number of sheep with dags removed, must be recorded in the Scheme Action Record Book.
- Any chemical treatment for the control of flystrike must also be recorded. Receipts and invoices for any products used must be retained and made available for inspection and/or administrative check.
A range of suitable products for flystrike control are available at your local Homeland Store or linked below. Call in to your local Homeland store for further details and advice.
Lameness Control
Flock lameness assessments must be carried out 5 times during the calendar year.
- At least once between mating and lambing
- May/June
- July/Aug
- Prior to mating (Aug - Sept/Oct)
- And at one other time which the flock owner may chose depending on the requirements of the flock.
- Foot bathing must be carried out where appropriate.
- Ensure you carry out the lameness assessments within the dates specified above.
- Accurately record the date of assessment, the number of sheep assessed, the number of sheep lame, the number of sheep treated, and the product used (if any) in the table provided in the scheme Action Record Book.
- Make sure to retain your receipts/invoices for any products used.
*Check out selection of products linked below and online at www.homeland.ie
Hill flock actions
Meal Feeding Lambs Post-Weaning
- Lambs must be supplemented with feed containing appropriate mineral and vitamins for 4 weeks post weaning.
- All receipts/invoices must be retained and made available for inspection and/or administrative check.
- Participants will be required to retain dispatch documents for any lambs sold to verify lambs were fed for 4 weeks post weaning and record the date of weaning.
- Where groups of lambs are weaned on different dates record the different weaning dates for each group.
- The level of supplementation must be at an adequate rate to provide the required level of nutrition – follow manufactures guidelines.
Nutrias Lamb Creep Crunch and Nutrias Intensive Lamb nuts are currently on promotion (Buy 10 bags get 1 free / €15 off per tonne in bulk). Visit the Nutrias website (Sheep | Nutrias) for more information on our lamb feed range.
Mineral Supplementation Lambs Pre-Weaning
- Participants must supplement lambs with minerals at least once during the grazing season pre-weaning which will assist in addressing mineral deficiencies in lambs on hill flocks.
- Supplementation may take the form of drenches, injectables or boluses.
- Records of all products purchased must be retained and made available for inspection.
- Minerals must be administered in accordance with the appropriate instructions.
Nutrias Ovigold is ideal for lambs pre-and post-weaning to increase thrive and is available in store and online - linked below.
