Farmers urged to submit deformed lambs for testing

There was little or no evidence of further spread of the Schmallenberg virus during 2013 — contrary to what was expected — said Damien Barrett, from the Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Sligo, at last week’s Teagasc National Sheep Conference.

But he told farmers they should still submit deformed newborn lambs and calves to regional veterinary laboratories for continuing monitoring of disease prevalence and trends.

Genetic evaluations are a powerful tool for sheep farmers enabling more informed breeding decisions and potentially higher productivity and profitability, said Teagasc researcher Dr Noirin McHugh.

Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle emphasised the importance of active participation in discussion groups, as the most effective way of getting new technology adopted on farms and subsequently translated into increased productivity and increased farm income.