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Veterinary
input into sheep flock management has traditionally been low in
the UK, however with margins in farming tighter than ever, maximising
flock productivity has never been so important. To ensure our clients
achieve performance targets and high welfare standards, we encourage
at least two routine visits per year – the first pre–tupping, the
second pre–lambing.
At
these visits past flock performance and problems can be discussed,
and plans made for the coming season. Typical areas assessed are
lambing rate, level of abortion/barrenness, ewe and lamb losses,
lameness incidence and poor lamb growth rates. Vaccination and worming
regimes can be checked, and ‘clean' grazing strategies discussed.
The sourcing of replacement ewes and rams with regard to buying
in disease (e.g. Sheep Scab, CLA, Enzootic Abortion, Border Disease,
Foot Rot etc.) is another important area. Ideally all of the above
should be incorporated into a written health plan to allow full
examination of flock performance and welfare – with farm
assurance becoming increasingly essential, written flock
health plans are soon to be compulsory.
As
well as helping our clients draw up health plans, we can also perform
various laboratory analyses to monitor
flock performance and/or indicate disease. Blood samples can be
collected to assess the adequacy of nutrition especially in late
pregnancy, mineral status and possible causes of abortion/barrenness.
However the most reliable method of diagnosing the cause of abortion
remains the submission of fresh samples either to the practice or
better directly to the local Veterinary Investigation Centre. Many
clients also make regular use of our worm egg counting service –
the results indicate the level of worm burden present, and decisions
can then be made as to whether or not a worming drench may be required.
Postmortem
examination often provides the most rapid diagnosis of a disease
problem – these can be performed on farm, at the practice or again
at the local Veterinary Investigation Centre. Within the practice
we are able to assess rations on our Rumnut computer nutrition
package. This is especially useful in identifying the risk of twin
lamb disease in late pregnancy. We also offer guidance on the selection
of a suitable quality concentrate for feeding during late pregnancy.
As
all shepherds know, the rams are half the flock, and should be MOT'd
before the breeding season. We are able to perform these breeding
soundness checks, including a full semen test where necessary.
Vasectomised
rams are increasingly used to tighten the breeding season. As well
as performing the operation, we offer guidance on selecting the
right ram(s) for vasectomy, and their subsequent use.
Besides
being involved in conventional sheep production, we provide guidance
and advice to three flocks currently converting to organic
status. This involves drawing up detailed management and health
plans, with regular monitoring for under–performance and disease.
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