Location:
Conwy
Funding amount:
EAFRD (WG RC_RDP Wales) contribution
£39800.00

Optimal nutrition underpins effective and efficient livestock production. Grass alone may not provide all the nutritional elements required by ewes and sometimes nutritional supplementation is required to improve productivity. In the UK as a whole, the decision to supplement is based on a test of the grass/forage, soil or the sheep. However, the only way to assess whether the sheep are supported nutritionally is to investigate the nutrient concentrations within the sheep and compare them to established norms. Traditionally in the UK this has been carried out by taking blood samples from a sample of sheep. Blood concentrations can respond to diet changes within days and may also be influenced by other disease processes. Because of this, basing the results purely on the bloods alone only gives part of the story.

Live animal liver biopsies provide different information to blood in that it provides a much longer-term historical estimation of trace element status. The technique is proven to be quick, safe and reliable. The sheep are restrained and put under local anaesthetic. A small area is clipped from wool and then surgically prepared. A biopsy needle is then inserted between a space in the ribs where a small sample of liver tissue is obtained. Antibiotics is then given in case of any infection.    

Blood analysis is still useful in conjunction with this as it can provide short term information indicative of current supply and response, as well as information regarding element competition. The blood and liver samples taken in parallel provide the most comprehensive indication of historic and current trace element status and the best information to formulate management advice for future dietary adjustments.

In this project twelve farms from across North Wales are using this dual sample approach in the Welsh sheep context, together with an analysis of the available forage. The project aims to utilise an intelligent and progressive approach to nutritional planning in breeding ewes.

  • Liver and blood samples will be taken from 8 ewes from the 12 flocks before the breeding season commences in 2018 to assess trace element levels
  • The available forage will be analysed on each farm
  • Nutritional planning advice will then be formulated using the results of the liver/blood and forage tests.
  • At scanning time blood samples will be taken to determine energy, protein and copper status. Adjustments to the diet will be made if necessary.
  • Liver and blood samples will be taken after weaning to monitor the success/failure of the nutritional advice.

Reports, Videos and Articles

Technical Publication, Issue 18 (November / December 2019): Implementing advanc…

Technical Publication, Issue 20 (March / April 2019): Implementing advanced nut…

Video (February 2019): Advanced Nutritional Management

EIP Wales, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is part of the Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme (CSCDS) delivering under Measure 16 (Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 1305/2013). The CSCDS is an important element of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The EIP delivers under sub Measure 16.1 of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014- 2020. 

Further project information:

Name:
Joe Angell
Email project contact