Having ewes and tups in optimal condition for tupping forms the basis of profitability for both lowland and hill sheep farmers. Ewes in better condition at tupping go on to scan better, milk better, and rear heavier lambs. They also bounce back more quickly for the next cycle, making flock management smoother and more productive.
Priority in achieving ewe efficiency is supplying energy and protein in the right amounts and at the right time to achieve good condition. Start monitoring target body condition scores (BCS) early, splitting thin and over-fat ewes and feeding energy and protein accordingly.
Recognised BCS targets to work to are:
- Lowland sheep: 3.5
- Upland sheep: 2.5 – 3.0
Managing BCS through grazing is the most cost-effective method but can be a challenge so late in the growing season when grass quality and growth start declining. Minerals, trace elements and vitamins are critical to all body functions, in most cases, grass and forage will be short in one or more of these key nutrients, all collectively vital at tupping time.
Some key elements include:
Cobalt – foetal production and lamb vigour after birth.
Copper – development of the foetal lamb
Iodine – normal foetal growth and development
Selenium – foetal growth and immunity.
Pre-tupping with Alan Collett
The month before tupping is the most important month of the year, as it affects the whole of next season's lamb crop.
A month before the tups go in we assess the body condition score of the ewes to see what they need. This year, due to the drought conditions, we are giving them all a mineral drench to give them a quick push and then a mineral bolus later. They will also have Crystalyx high energy feed tubs put out for them. When we body condition score them any leaner ewes will be pulled out and fed a bit of concentrate feed. This is not normally the case but due to the dry summer and no grass to flush them on I feel that it will be beneficial. This will cost approximately £6.50 with ½ kg a day being fed for 6 weeks. But if it increases the lambing percentage by 20% it equates to 20 extra lambs at £140 per head which is £28 extra per ewe so it should more than pay for itself.
The other thing to check is the tups, probably the most neglected animal on the farm, but is half the flock. We have ours in pre-tupping to assess the condition of the teeth, feet and testis. We also feed the tups for a month before tupping to rev them up and get them in top shape for the mammoth job ahead.
The motto with our tupping time is Tip Top Tup condition, because at the end of the day you get back what you put in and this year will certainly be the case.
Sheep feed licks
Correct supplementation from pre-tupping and through pregnancy will have a definite positive impact on lambing rates, lamb survival, and lamb weaning weight.
Crystalyx Extra High Energy is suitable for all grazing situations, its controlled intake levels provide increased digestibility of forage.
Independent research has shown that ewes fed Crystalyx Extra High Energy at grass throughout the flushing and tupping period:
- Gain condition and liveweight faster than on good grass alone (+2kg extra liveweight in 6 weeks)
- Conceive faster to the ram, significantly shortening the lambing period (22 vs 49 days in a Crystalyx Research Study conducted by Aberystwyth University)
Typical Crystalyx intakes are 40-60g/ewe/day (4-7p ewe/day)
Continued access to Crystalyx has also been shown to help maintain better ewe body condition in mid-pregnancy by improving nutrient intake when forage availability and quality declines.