Nutrition for ewe key to lamb viability

Managing ewe nutrition in late pregnancy will influence lamb viability and lamb vigour, according to Teagasc researcher Frank Campion.

Dr Campion has advised sheep farmers that careful management of animal feed in the six to eight weeks pre-lambing will also boost overall performance of the flock at lambing.

“Planning and management decisions as far back as mating will influence the performance of the flock at lambing and particular care is needed to ensure that ewes are lambing down in correct body condition and receive adequate high quality protein in the weeks prior to lambing,” he said.