Beef and sheep notes August 2007
Beef
Management at weaning:
Consider weaning in two batches, removing thinner cows and heifers from the herd first while maintaining the weaned calves and suckling cows on good swards. Wean the other batch of calves two weeks later. Maintain the weaned calves on good autumn pastures as long as possible. Weaning at the point of housing or on the day of sale is not recommended due to the increased stress levels.
If weaning in-doors, use a well-ventilated house with sufficient creep area. Provide high dry matter silage for both cows and calves at weaning.
Creep feeding the calf
Creep feeding will improve calf performance. For every 4 KGs meal offered a calf can gain 1 KG additional liveweight. There is a lower dependence on milk and the calf is easier to wean off the cow, which results in improved performance post weaning. One of the major benefits is the reduced stress level at weaning and reduced disease level (particularly pneumonia). All of this makes the calf more saleable and easier managed after weaning. Meal should be started four to six weeks in advance of weaning and built up to about 1.5 KGs/head/day at the point of weaning.
Pneumonia Vaccination
Weaning and transport to and from a livestock market will cause stress leaving suckled calves more susceptible to disease. Vaccination against certain types of pneumonia is a worthwhile option to consider particularly if pasteurella pneumonia is the main problem. Consult with your Veterinary Surgeon for advice on the control of respiratory diseases. Most vaccines require two doses around three weeks apart. Therefore, you will need to plan their use well before housing or sale.
Sheep
Selection of replacements for the sheep flock
The Ewe
There are two options when it comes to replacements for the ewe flock, to purchase or to breed. Many farmers are now considering the breeding option, using maternal sires, as it gives some control over bio-security, but more importantly allows farmers to improve their flock productivity by selecting ewe lambs from their most productive ewes. Simple recording is necessary through programmes such as the AFBI Management Recording Scheme, to aid the selection process.
Successfully mating ewe lambs is possible,if they are 70 – 80 percent of their mature weight, for example, 45-50 KGs at mating. Recent research indicates increased levels of fertility if ewe lambs are offered poor grazing during a short mating period, principally due to less embryo mortality. The target is to achieve a lambing percentage of 100 percent or one lamb reared for each ewe lamb mated.
Points to note when selecting replacement ewes/ewe lambs:
- Adequate size and conformation
- Teeth biting squarely and firmly on the dental pad
- Correct udders
The Ram
Select performance recorded rams with the correct EBVs for your production system. In addition carefully handled the rams to assess:
- General Health – fit and active with freedom from respiratory problems, eye infection, discharges or abscesses.
- Fertility – testicles should be large, even sized, firm and free from lumps and abnormalities. The penis free from injury or infection.
- Feet – legs sound and free from scald, foot rot or growths between the toes.
- Teeth – healthy and biting firmly and squarely on the dental pad.
Preparation of the Flock for Mating:
- Pare and bath feet
- Condition score - Target is 3.5 for ewes at mating. When achieved, the ewes should be held on good quality grass through mating and for one month afterwards. Rams should be in condition score 4.
- Consider vaccinating ewes to prevent abortion diseases
Discuss blood sampling a selection of ewes for trace minerals with your veterinary surgeon.