Consider alternative grazing options for ewes and lambs this autumn

Consider alternative grazing options for ewes and lambs this autumn

Sheep farmers may need to consider alternative grazing strategies this autumn following a dry summer and limited grass availability.

Matt Colston, ruminant technical consultant at Elanco Animal Health, says: “For large parts of the UK, grass availability remains low as we head into the critical tupping period.

“This presents a conundrum – do you prioritise the grass that is available for the remaining lambs to get them finished and away, or will the ewes make better use of it?”

In instances where farmers are faced with limited grazing, Mr Colston says it is better to direct grass towards ewes and consider alternative options for any remaining lambs on the farm.

“Getting ewes in the right body condition score (BCS) ahead of tupping is really crucial to support their fertility and therefore next year’s lamb crop, so providing ewes with optimal nutrition at tupping should be the priority,” he adds.

Matt Colston 

“Due to the exceptionally dry conditions many farms have faced this year, this may well mean having to take lambs off grass.

Mr Colston explains that taking lambs off grass, especially permanent pasture, in the autumn can have a number of benefits.

“Fields that have already held lambs earlier in the year are likely to have a relatively high worm burden which will prevent the lambs from converting that grass to lamb efficiently,” he says.

“The lambs will also produce a large number of worm eggs which means that field will be high risk next spring, whereas ewes will cope much better with the worm challenges and use that grass more efficiently meaning less grass is wasted on worms.”

If grass availability is a worry this autumn, Mr Colston says there are several alternatives worth considering now and when planning ahead for next year, including:

• Grazing brassicas or root crops if available
• Topping up outdoor grazing with forage
• Bringing lambs inside and finishing them on a concentrate-based diet
• Selling lambs as stores where winter forage stocks are very low

“Whether finishing lambs indoors or outside, taking care to manage worm burdens effectively is worthwhile,” he adds.

“It’s unlikely lambs will pick up new worms when coming indoors but there’s a good possibility lambs may already have pre-existing worm burdens.”

If lambs enter sheds with medium or high worm burdens, they will not grow efficiently and will take more feed to finish.

“Rather than lambs utilising the feed for growth, you’ll just be feeding the worms, and that’s not cost-effective, especially given the cost of concentrate feed,” adds Mr Colston.

To ensure lambs stay in the “green zone” where worm burdens are not reducing growth rates, he recommends giving them a break dose using one of the newer wormer groups, such as Zolvix™, to clear out any worms, including those that may be resistant to the older group 1-3 wormers.

“In the autumn, worms are usually at their peak, so giving an annual break dose is really important to address these worms before they have a negative impact on finishing weights and times,” says Mr Colston

For more information on grazing management and worm control, speak to your adviser, vet or local RAMA.