Despite the fact that 2025 has been a good grass growing year in many parts of the country, grazing quality will take its usual drop as the shorter days of late autumn and winter beckon.

Metabolisable energy (ME) values below 10.5 MJ/kg of dry matter (DM) are already being widely reported for many grass swards, with protein values corresponding lower as well.

However, grazed grass remains the key nutrient source for all breeding ewes at this time of the year.

While ground conditions remain good, flock owners will commit to keeping their flocks out at pasture for as long as possible.

So, the need to maximise the nutritional value of the grass that is available remains a priority. 

Sheep buckets

For flock owners with ewes now in lamb or about to go the ram, the priority management challenge centres on the need to make best use of the forages available to sheep over the coming weeks and months - grazed grass and silage.

Making this happen will require the strategic use of Crystalyx Extra High Energy sheep buckets.

Luke Morgan from Caltech Crystalyx explained: “Crystalyx Extra High Energy is a feed tub that can be used all year round to provide supplementation for ewes, rams, and lambs.

“The tubs are high in protein, energy and with a full complement of minerals, trace elements and vitamins.

“Extra High Energy buckets and forage can be all that’s required to operate a highly effective and profitable sheep rearing system.”

He outlined the impact insufficient nutrient intakes can have on ewes.

“Trials conducted at Newcastle University have found that ewes with access to Crystalyx Extra High Energy buckets maintained better condition than ewes on forage alone.

"In addition, their lambs subsequently had a 5% higher growth rate," he said.

The Crystalyx representative also confirmed that demand for Extra High Energy feed blocks has risen consistently across the island of Ireland over in recent years.

He said: “This is due to the consistent level of performance secured from the tubs.

"They add real value to the nutrient intakes secured by sheep of all ages and at all stages across the production cycle.”

Significantly, the Crystalyx Extra High Energy buckets are eligible for Ireland’s National Sheep Welfare Scheme, now worth €13/ewe.

Independent trials

Morgan highlighted that independent trial work has shown that Crystalyx increases the rate of forage digestion by rumen bacteria (by up to 10%).

In turn, this stimulates forage intakes due to a reduced gut fill effect, increasing grass intake rather than replacing it.

He added: “Crystalyx also increases forage digestibility, so animals actually get more energy out of what they eat.

“The Extra High Energy buckets provide all the minerals, trace elements and vitamins needed to balance grass, which is essential for optimum animal performance and health.

“The rumen bugs also need minerals to help them digest the grass and the 'little and often' trickle feeding system supplied by Crystalyx is an ideal method of ensuring this.

“Crystalyx also provides a concentrated source of sugar, which is important to help maintain rumen digestive efficiency. All of this can be achieved for as little as 5c/ewe/day.

Year-round use

Luke also confirmed that Extra High Energy buckets can be used the year round.

He said: “There is plenty of grass available on farms around the country at the present time.

“Flock owners can use the Extra High Energy buckets prior to breeding, in the run up to lambing and, again, after the ewes have gone out to the fields with their newborn lambs. It’s all about improving performance from grazed grass.”

Luke made these comments while on a recent visit to the Co. Donegal sheep farm of Gerard Breslin.

The farmer has consistently used the Extra High Energy sheep buckets as an invaluable source of supplementary feed for his ewes.

Gerard manages a flock of 70 pedigree Blackface sheep on 80ac close to the town of Ardara.

He has worked diligently over many years to build up the quality of his sheep bloodlines.

Gerard explained: “I am trying to breed the best bloodlines while also achieving the highest levels of performance from the sheep.

“Tup lambs from the flock are sold on an annual basis at sales, both in Northern Ireland and Donegal.”

The Co. Donegal farmer spoke of the benefits he has seen from using the Extra High Energy feed buckets.

“In the first instance, the Extra High Energy feed buckets are acting to boost the quality of the colostrum produced by the ewes," he said.

Gerard traditionally scans his ewes in early January. At this stage the Extra High Energy feed buckets are put in with the flock.

Gerard works closely with his brother Laurence, who also manages the Homeland farm store in Ardara.

The business has a strong commitment to Donegal’s extremely important sheep sector.

Laurence said: “We stock the entire range of Crystalyx feed buckets in our stores throughout Donegal and beyond.

“Sheep farmers are very happy with the quality of the Extra High Energy feed bucket.

“They just look out for the red tub. That’s because they know it will do the job for them.”

Gerard added: “I have been using the Extra High Energy feed blocks for the past 13 years. And I have always been very happy with them."

Meanwhile, 2026 beckons with the promise of sustainable sheep prices remaining a strong possibility.

According to Luke Morgan: “It’s important that ewe fertility levels are maximised and, thereafter, that every lamb is born without difficulty and reared successfully.

“Crystalyx High Energy feed buckets have a proven track record in allowing these objectives to be met.

“They perfectly complement the nutritional imbalanced found in grazed grass and silages.

“Added energy, fats, minerals and vitamins ensure optimal levels of fertility, ease of lambing and a more than significant reduction in levels of twin lamb disease.

“It all adds up to a win/win scenario for Irish sheep farmers.”