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risk to visitors
lambing
colostrum
vaccination
rearing/feeding
worming
fly/scab control
lameness action plan
routine examination
Intensively reared lambs are weaned at 6 to 7 weeks of age and kept indoors. These must be closely monitored for evidence of disease build-up; particularly coccidiosis and pneumonia.
The number of rams kept will depend upon the management of the various flocks that are being established. As a rule of thumb, there will be no more than 33 ewes per ram.
Lamb feeding
Various feed trials are conducted in collaboration with Countrywide. Targets for growth rates should, therefore, be agreed with this in mind.
Correct use of feeds, as recommended by Countrywide, is essential and all stock must have adequate access to drinking water.
Ewe Feeding:
Ewes are scanned and grouped and fed accordingly.
Feeding programmes are prepared in conjunction with Countrywide.
Current problems noted with regard to feeding have included weight loss
in the lactating and post-weaning ewes. Condition score targets should be
set:
Tupping 3.5
Mid pregnancy 3.0
Lambing 2,5
2 months post lambing 2.0
Weaning 2.5
These should always be measured by the shepherd.
A number of prolapses are noted in pregnant housed ewes. Increased exercise and fibre content of the diet should improve this. Individual ewes are culled if they have a history of prolapses.
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