News and Events
Improving lamb survival
Dr Ruth Wonfor: IBERS, Aberystwyth University
- A structured, farm specific management plan can successfully improve lamb survival.
- Lamb size is one of the largest risk factors for reduced lamb survival. Lambs born too small have a reduced ability to stay...
FC - Issue 7
Below is the 7th issue of Farming Connect’s technical publication for farmers and foresters in Wales.
Published bi-monthly, it includes easy to digest facts and figures about a range of technical matters, along with the latest information and research from...
Ectoparasites of sheep: Sheep Scab
Dr Ruth Wonfor: IBERS, Aberystwyth University
Take home messages:
- Sheep scab is caused by mites which live on the skin of the sheep, causing lesions, severe itching, loss of wool and ultimately a loss in production.
- All sheep with scab...
The effect of alternative bedding materials on sheep behaviour and welfare
Dr Ruth Wonfor: IBERS, Aberystwyth University
- Bedding is important for keeping animals clean and dry but also for environmental enrichment in housed sheep systems to improve animal welfare.
- Straw encourages natural sheep behaviour but is increasingly expensive and increases the...
Maximise performance by tailoring nutritional requirements of in-lamb ewes
To maximise flock performance, it is important to feed ewes according to their needs at different stages of production, as good ewe nutrition impacts on lamb survival and growth rates. Formulating rations based on forage will help optimise health and welfare...
Grazing lambs on forage crops grown in an agroforestry system
Join Farming Connect to find out more about an agroforestry project at Henfaes Research Centre, Bangor, where lambs have been grazing forage crops grown among trees. The project aims to inform farmers about possible ways to diversify their farming practices and...
Project helps evaluate profitable and practical lamb finishing options
Choosing whether or not to finish lambs rather than sell stores and then deciding on a practical, cost-effective lamb finishing system is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the profitability of a sheep enterprise.
It can be...
FC - Issue 6
Below is the 6th issue of Farming Connect’s technical publication for farmers and foresters in Wales.
Published bi-monthly, it includes easy to digest facts and figures about a range of technical matters, along with the latest information and research from...
Pengelli Rotational Grazing
Switching to rotational grazing from a set stocking system is allowing a Welsh sheep farmer to increase his stocking rate by 25%.
Alwyn Phillips, who runs two performance-recorded pedigree flocks of Texels and Poll Dorsets near Caernarfon, is bucking...