When it comes to optimising forage utilisation, Fionan Kissane, a sheep farmer from Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry who manages a flock of mainly Cheviot Cross ewes, stands by Agvance Nutrition’s High Energy mineral bucket.
His experience with these nutritional supplements, especially in the challenging terrain of the Iveragh peninsula, offers valuable insights into the tangible benefits these buckets bring to sheep farming.
“Land type in the Iveragh peninsula is very mixed, and our rainfall is far higher than other parts of the country,” Fionan explained.
“So the ewes spend large amounts of the winter up in the mountain and on marginal ground. I started using Agvance Nutrition High Energy buckets a few years back and haven’t looked back.”
For Fionan, the extended usage of these mineral buckets is crucial for ensuring sustained nutrition throughout critical periods in the sheep farming calendar.
“The buckets go out in December and are used right through lambing in the middle of March,” he noted.
This aligns with his practice of late December scanning for the ewes, a pivotal moment in managing their nutritional needs for a successful lambing season.
Impact of high energy mineral buckets
“One of the remarkable impacts I’ve noticed is how the buckets have positively influenced the grazing habits and overall contentment of the ewes,” Fionan explained.
“Last year, no concentrates were fed to the ewes prior to, or post, lambs. The buckets gave ewes plenty of nutrition and energy needed.”
Fionan also highlights the tailored approach these buckets allow for varying needs within his flock.
“Ewes carrying single lambs were getting better graze out of the rough ground and were content once they had the buckets,” he said, emphasising the positive impact on their foraging habits and overall well-being.
In discussing the tangible benefits, Fionan credits the low incidence of Twin Lamb Disease in recent years to the incorporation of Agvance Nutrition High Energy buckets into his feeding routine.
“Ewes carrying multiple lambs stay down on green ground, and single head back for the hills. The buckets have been instrumental in ensuring both groups receive the necessary nutrients to support healthy pregnancies and subsequent lambing,” he explained.
His experience aligns with the broader research indicating that these high-energy buckets not only support optimal conditions for ewes but also contribute to improved lamb growth rates and overall flock health.
Fionan Kissane’s testament sheds light on the practical advantages of integrating Agvance Nutrition’s High Energy mineral buckets into a comprehensive sheep nutrition programme, especially in challenging landscapes where forage availability fluctuates significantly.
Agvance Nutrition
Agvance Nutrition has been in business supplying minerals to Irish farmers for eight years.
In the last 12 months, Agvance has made its seaweed infused, Seaboost mineral bucket range available to merchants all over the country.
The rectangular design reduces buckets being knocked over and reduces waste. They boast a handle making it easier for farmers to carry making it a more favourable choice by farmers.
Currently, the company is open to new stockists and is urging merchants to get in contact to find out if this is a suitable product for your store.
For more information on Agvance Nutrition and its products, click here.
