Glyn Arthu Project Update - September 2025

What has been done?

Glyn Arthur Farms has made significant progress on their pre-tupping management plan. A comprehensive screening for Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) was recently completed, with a visual check for lumps and serological testing on 20 sheep, all of which returned a clear result. This outcome is highly encouraging and indicates a healthy flock status.

Screening for CLA is a crucial step in proactive flock health management. It serves as another useful tool to monitor flock health, as visible signs like lumps may not always be present or easily detectable. In previous years, lumps were observed during shearing, but they were not visible to the naked eye until the ewes were handled. This highlights the importance of thorough screening methods, beyond a simple visual check, to identify potential issues early and prevent the spread of the disease. The clear results from both the visual check and serological testing this year are a positive sign of effective management.

Weaning was successfully completed an average of three weeks ahead of previous years. This earlier intervention aims to improve ewe body condition, giving them more time to recover and prepare for the upcoming breeding season.

The ewes have an average Body Condition Score (BCS) of 2 to 2.5, which is a good starting point for an upland ewe. However, the aim is for a BCS of 3 to 3.5 before the ram is introduced. Due to the grass shortage post-weaning, Sarah is monitoring the BCS weekly to ensure the ewes maintain their condition and reach this score. If the BCS drops, supplementary hay will be introduced to the flock.

What's next?

The next step is the collection of blood samples from the ewes in the coming weeks. This will allow us to assess their trace element status, which is essential for ensuring optimal fertility and embryo health prior to tupping.