Beef and sheep notes November 2007

Ewe condition during autumn Ewe condition at tupping is the most critical factor in determining the flock performance and financial returns. Maintaining optimum ewe condition during the tupping period and for four weeks after conception should be the objective once the rams are out. If ewe condition drops during this period embryo loss and re-absorption will greatly reduce lamb numbers. Where grass supply is inadequate or where ewes are in poorer condition, feeding a small amount of a cereal based ration (0.25 KG/head/day) during the tupping period for four to six weeks will maintain or improve body condition. A stress free period during the tupping period and four weeks after conception will ensure maximum embryo survival.

Although grass growth slows down in the autumn months, if there is “green leaf cover” it will continue to grow. A well managed rotational grazing system at this time of year which allows swards a recovery period will encourage grass growth and more effective grass utilisation. The stocking rate should be at eight ewes/ha with, if possible, a sward recovery period of around 30 days. Initially sward covers should have been built up for the tupping period without allowing them to go above 4000 KG DM/ha. Leaving a good grass cover on swards after grazing (1800 - 1900 KG DM/ha) will ensure that growth will continue.

A fatal mistake that many sheep farmers make is to graze swards too bare during the autumn period. With good rotational management, grazing can be extended well into late November or early December on young leafy grass swards.

Silage analysis Silage quality will be down this year mainly due to the poor weather, particularly during the months of July and August. It is important to assess silage quantity and quality early on. Silage analysis will provide an accurate assessment of the feeding value of your forage in terms of energy, protein, dry matter, and fermentation and intake predictions. From this you will be able to plan the earlier purchase of the correct levels and type of supplement required to feed stock.

This service is provided by AFBI (Hillsborough) at a basic cost of £14.50 + Vat for the silage analysis including one livestock feeding report. Additional feed reports for other livestock classes will cost £2.00 per report. Now is a good time to refocus on silage quality and feeding costs and silage analysis is an essential starting point. Contact your local Beef/Sheep adviser or your local Agricultural Development Centre for sample bags and information on how to take a sample.

Some farmers may decide to mix their own rations, or perhaps get their local merchant to mix rations for them. Two examples of good quality rations suitable for feeding along with average quality silage to suit various classes of stock are provided below:

These rations do not include maize gluten or maize distillers’ dark grains from North America due to the GM status of a new type of seed maize which, as yet, has not been given EU approval.

At time of writing it is unclear whether these circumstances will change but if these feedstuffs become available contact your local Beef and Sheep adviser to check the relative value of these feeds.