The Autumn calving season will soon be upon us and now is the time to be thinking about dry period nutrition to allow for a smooth transition from calving into early lactation for both the cow and calf. By supplying the correct nutrition pre-calving, the herd will be in good stead for optimal calving success this season.
Despite the weather being relatively kind to sheep farmers this lambing season, the driest May on record has resulted in a shortage of grass on most sheep farms during the spring.
Careful management of the ram in the run up to sales and tupping is essential for optimal fertility and to ensure the maintenance of body condition score during this difficult time. A ram can lose up to 15% of his bodyweight during tupping and poor condition will therefore have a detrimental effect on fertility.
In recent months, there has been a surge in reports of cows at grass exhibiting unusual behaviours, including eating and licking stones, soil, plastic objects and cow track surfaces. This unusual behaviour can be defined as ‘pica’.
As another Spring calving approaches, focus will be turning to pre-calving nutrition and its importance in ensuring a successful and profitable 2020 calving season.
The high rainfall and saturated ground conditions throughout autumn and into early winter have left pastures lacking in nutrients for out-wintered suckler cows and ewes.
Despite the weather being relatively kind to sheep farmers this lambing season, the driest May on record has resulted in a shortage of grass on most sheep farms during the spring. 
The high rainfall and saturated ground conditions throughout autumn and into early winter have left pastures lacking in nutrients for out-wintered suckler cows and ewes.