Sheep production in Ireland remains inherently profitable, according to Teagasc’s Dr Tim Keady.

However, it only remains profitable if output levels are maximised and flockowners can identify how best to minimise their costs of production, he said.

“In practical terms this means maximising the number of lambs born with an optimal birth weight, ensuring that ewes have plenty of high quality colostrum and then pushing to get as much production from grazed grass.”

The Athenry-based sheep specialist confirmed that scanning ewes should be regarded as an invaluable management tool.

But only if producers make use of the information this activity generates. Ewes should be subsequently batched in terms of litter size and projected lambing dates.

“In this way, it is possible to make best use of the concentrates offered to ewes in the run-up to lambing.

“Targeted feeding will ensure that ewes receive the levels of nutrition they need to lamb down successfully. Excessive feeding, for instance, will lead to the production of over-sized lambs. This, in turn, will bring about unnecessary problems at lambing time.”

Keady recommends that ewes should be scanned at around 80 days into pregnancy.

“We will be scanning the flocks at Athenry over the coming week or so. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence indicating that litter sizes will be quite large this spring.

“This is based on the fact that ewes were in good condition when the rams were put in last autumn. However, the scanning results will tell the real story.

It is the number of lambs reared per ewe that determines the overall profitability of a sheep enterprise.”

Keady said that providing ewes with high-quality forage is a key priority over the coming weeks.

“This can be either in the form of grazed grass or silage. Again, it is important for flock owners to know the quality of the silage they are offering their pre-lambing ewes.

“This will allow them gauge more accurately the level of concentrates they need to feed. Making sure that ewes are wormed and fluked properly is also important.”

Keady said that sheep producers should aim to finish lambs from grazed grass alone.

“We have managed to achieve this at Athenry for the past 10 years. There is a strong bank of evidence to confirm the benefits of keeping male lambs entire. But these animals must be finished as early as possible in order to prevent problems associated with taint arising.”