Glanmynys Project Update – March 2021

One of the most vital lessons learnt from last year was the importance of body condition scoring (BCS) ewes. The ewes were under condition going into lambing 2020, which has resulted in a knock-on effect on ewe fertility. BCS is a quick and easy low-cost management tool to increase ewe productivity and flock profitability. It is a way of comparing sheep: independent of live weight, frame size, breed, stage of gestation, gut fill. BCS is valuable as it relates to the production ability of sheep regardless of body weight.

Studies have shown that ewe body condition scores directly impact: 

• Scanning % 
• Lamb birth weights
• Mothering ability 
• Lamb survival 
• Colostrum production 
• Lamb growth rate and weaning weights 
• Ewe death rates

The single most important factor influencing these is the percentage of ewes that are below BCS 3 at mating and at lambing. Therefore, it is critical to minimise the number of leaner ewes, as these are the ones that are bringing down the overall flock performance. 

Some of the short-term benchmark figures we will be aiming to improve on this year at Glanmynys will be to increase the number of lambs hitting the 8-week target weight of 19kg and increasing the number of lambs sold fat at weaning. Long term targets will focus on reducing the number of ewes with BCS below 3 and increase scanning percentage in 2022. In order to achieve this, Carine and Peredur will be working closely with Liz Genever, an independent sheep specialist, who has devised the programme seen below. 

By body condition scoring ewes at key times of the year, Peredur and Carine will split the flock into two: Flock A  (BCS 3 and above) and Flock B (BCS below 3). Running ewes as one mob means you are wasting feed by putting condition on ewes who have already reached optimum condition and will not return anything extra. That extra feed would have been better used by ‘targeted feeding’. It takes a lot more grass to gain weight in a good condition (fatter/heavier) ewe than that of a leaner/lighter ewe. Not only will the body condition score of the two groups be identified, but it will also impact which ram they will be given. Peredur aims to give an Easycare ram to Flock A, which will produce future replacements, whilst Flock B will be given a terminal sire. The long-term goal will be ensuring replacements are bred from ewes who are most efficient.  

Peredur actively measures grass on the farm, which helps monitor the supply and demand of forage. The average farm cover at Glanmynys at the beginning of February 2021 was 2,000kgDM/ha. Dependent on grass cover, Peredur has set out pre-lambing and lambing paddocks ready for ewes. 

Implementing a management programme will allow for easier management and ensure efficient data collection. The below plan can be replicated for any farm. 
 

1.    Monthly action plan