Post-weaning update: Glanmynys demonstration site

Following a successful lambing, lambs were weaned at an average weight of 27kg at 12 weeks of age. On average, ewe body condition score post weaning was 2, the same score recorded pre-lambing. Although animals were vaccinated against orf, it has still been an issue within the 2020 lamb crop. Lambs were also vaccinated against clostridial diseases with Bravoxin, however losses due to pneumonia are still occurring. During weaning, 105 ewes were selected for culling due to age, mastitis or prolapse mainly. 

Smart Shot was given to the lambs in the spring and results in August show that they all have satisfactory trace element concentrations, with vitamin B12 in particular improved since the Smart Shot was given.  

A post-weaning/pre-tupping investigation involving blood sampling ewes for trace elements was performed during August. Ewes were blood sampled to monitor copper, selenium, cobalt and zinc levels. Results showed that no copper supplementation was required, however, supplementation with selenium in bolus form would be beneficial if administered pre-tupping. The addition of cobalt and zinc could also be beneficial, however, the difference is likely to be marginal. 
 

Moving forward, the project will focus on the following factors:

• Manage ewes effectively to achieve optimum body condition score of 3 - 3.5 by tupping. 
• Investigate the issue of pneumonia within lambs to determine cause and prevention of future cases. 
• Supplement ewes pre-tupping with selenium, as well as cobalt and zinc in bolus form.