A pedigree Lleyn flock owner in Co. Mayo is confirming a 204% scanning figure in the run up to the 2024 lambing season.
The count comprises a mix of twins, triplets and quads.
Kenny O’Donnell farms at Carrowmore, near Belmullet. He runs a pedigree flock of 90 pedigree Lleyn ewes and followers.
“Lleyn ewes are noted for their fertility,” Kenny commented.
“This is the first time that we have ever broken through the 200% barrier. Not one of the ewes is carrying a single this season – it’s twins, triplets and quads across the board.”
Kenny also manages a commercial hill flock. The Lleyns were housed around Christmas time. Lambing is due to get underway on March 5 and will continue through until March 25.
The ewes are divided up into groups based on the number of lambs they are carrying.
“The greater the number of lambs, the higher the requirement for energy amongst the various groups,” Kenny explained to Agriland.
“Normally, I would expect the scanning figure to come in just below 200. But, the ewes had access to good grass last autumn. They were in tremendous condition when the rams went in.
“All the additional lambs will require that extra bit of care and attention. But it will be worth it, once they are all reared.”
Lleyn breeder
Kenny is the only pedigree Lleyn breeder in Co. Mayo. However, he is reporting a strong demand for the ewe and ram lambs that he has to sell on an annual basis.
“The inherent fertility of the breed is well-recognised. Lleyn ewes are good mothers, and they also perform well at grass,” he said.
According to the Carrowmore man, such breeding stock can be used in both lowland and hill situations.
“A Lleyn ewe can easily rear two lambs through to finishing weights when crossed with a terminal sire ram,” he continued.
“There is also a role for Lleyn genetics within hill flock. The role here is to boost the overall fertility of a flock. I have taken this approach with my own hill flock and it is working well.”
Kenny O’Donnell believes that Lleyn bloodlines have an important role to play within Irish sheep production systems.
“They are a prolific ewe; they are a milkier ewe; they are a medium-sized ewe, but, most of all, they are a very easily fed ewe. This is what makes the real difference at the end of the day,” he concluded.