Sheep

High tech portable chambers for measuring methane emissions from sheep are being used on a UK farm for the first time.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the launch of ‘Gwaredu Scab’, a first-of-its-kind project funded by the Welsh government that aims to tackle sheep scab outbreaks by offering farmers a free service covering the diagnosis and treatment of infected sheep.

An updated costing model has revealed farmers could lose £209 per lamb and £184 per breeding ewe that falls victim to blowfly strike, which means administering treatment only after animals are struck is no longer cost-effective.

Further recent discussions on reintroducing lynx to the Scottish countryside have prompted calls to protect diverse farmland habitats, livestock and the people that manage them.

With lamb featuring as the main ingredient on the official Coronation menu, and thousands of military uniforms having been finely crafted from British wool, produce from the nation’s sheep farmers is playing an important part in the Coronation celebrations.

Sheep farmers are being reminded to test sheep before and after drenching to determine which animals need worming and ensure their chosen treatment is working properly.

A host of professional shearing talent will be racing against time at the Royal Bath & West Show this year, including world record holder shearer Jon Roberts from Robertsacre Farm in Dartmoor.

Sheep farmers and industry professionals are invited to a series of free events taking place in Cornwall next month to learn about the results of a pilot study exploring the potential of introducing worm-tolerant genetics into flocks.

With the aim of improving the choice of top-performing rams throughout the UK, AHDB’s Signet Breeding Services have launched new breeding values for abattoir traits, which will form an integral part of the National Terminal Sire Evaluation going forward.

Sheep farmers are being encouraged to make the most of funding from the Defra Animal Health & Welfare Pathway by choosing an appropriate time to carry out the Worming Treatment Check, such as when there are lambs at pasture that require treatment, said SCOPS independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings.

The Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Association’s National Show has fast become a success and drawn breeders from across the country since its calendar debut – and this year will be no different.

Due to changing weather patterns in the UK and Ireland, blowfly season is now starting earlier, lasting longer, and becoming increasingly difficult to forecast. To help farmers prepare for the upcoming season and minimise the risk of fly strike, the British veterinary organisation NADIS (National Animal Disease Information Service) offers some advice.