Flock Health Update

Finally the grass has regrown in many parts to provide critical nutrition for sheep flocks as we head into tupping time. Many flocks will be tupping already and so this improvement in nutrition will be critical for maintain  a good plane of nutrition over tupping to support conception and fertilisation. The first 5 weeks following a mating event are crucial. A rising plane of nutrition, correct trace element status and freedom from infectious diseases will enable the successful fertilisation and implantation of a developing embryo into the lining of the womb (which is around 15-18 days). With fetal development at around 30 days. Careful handling, low stress events and minimal interventions during this time are necessary. 

There is widespread concern this year regarding the fertility of rams due to infection with bluetongue 3 virus, alongside the high temperatures and drought conditions.  In many parts of the UK, rams have failed fertility tests either on examination of semen, or before this on physical examination of the testes. Speak with your vets to discuss ram fertility. Rams that were correctly vaccinated against BTV3 in the Spring this year will not suffer infertility issues due to BTV3. Those vaccinated later in the season may well have been affected by the virus before complete immunity. Therefore consider your flock status and speak with your vet to decide upon a plan.

The rainfall brings with it better grass growth but also increased larval parasite infectivity on the pasture. The moisture provides better conditions for worm egg hatching and then larval movement up the grass sward. Map your pastures and think about those more heavily infected areas that have carried sheep most of the grazing season. Monitor lambs on growth rates and FECs and monitor ewes/rams on body condition score and FECs. Increasing counts can suggest Haemonchus contortus and so identifying the amount of haemonchus eggs will add to your knowledge when deciding upon the risk to the flock, which animals to treat and what with. Speak with your vet and advisor to determine the most effective parasite control. See www.scops.org.uk for detailed information. 

Please continue to check Bluetongue Virus Hub - Ruminant Health & Welfare for the latest information on blue tongue virus - https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-hub/