Quarantine, Parasites & Vaccines – reducing the risks when bringing in new sheep
Every time an animal enters or re-enters a flock it poses the risk of bringing unwanted health challenges with it. With sales in full swing, on this week’s OviCast we talk to Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, about how to reduce the risks. What to look for before you buy:· Quarantine and parasite control plans· Reducing the risk of lameness in new arrivals· Using vaccination to protect your flock This episode is a timely reminder for anyone planning to buy stock this season. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast
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Making genetic gains - using data this ram sale season
With the ram sale season in full swing, we’re joined by David Coen from Sheep Ireland to discuss how genetic information can help farmers make more informed breeding decisions. David explains the Eurostar Terminal and Replacement Indexes, outlining what they mean and how to interpret them when selecting rams. We also explore how to check if a ram is SIS-eligible, and how to make the most of the RamSearch tool. We discuss the progress being made in performance recording among hill flocks and David gives us a preview of Sheep Ireland’s upcoming multi-breed sale in Kilkenny later this month. The episode closes with a look at why consistency in your breeding plan matters.For more information go to: https://www.sheep.ie/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast
Shane Moore, a BETTER Farm participant based in Co. Roscommon, joins this week’s OviCast. Shane runs a mixed sheep and beef enterprise and he shares insights into how the season has progressed so far, including the challenges of joint ill at lambing time and the rebound in lamb performance and drafting. We also discuss:- how Shane selects replacements and identifies problem ewes for culling- post-weaning lamb management, finishing groups and improving ewe condition - his approach to grazing and grassland management this season For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast
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Sowing Catch Crops in Tillage Systems
Catch crops are becoming an essential part of sustainable tillage farming offering environmental protection, improving soil structure, and providing valuable grazing options for livestock. For this week’s OviCast, Teagasc tillage specialist, Shay Phelan, joins us to discuss how and why catch crops are used, the impact of sowing date and the practicalities of sowing them effectively. Plus, Shay takes us through the various regulations that need to be adhered to and what farmers should keep in mind when planning rotations. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast
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July Grass Update
Teagasc Researcher, Sarah Woodmartin, gives us the monthly update on grassland management. Whether you're actively measuring grass or just looking to stay ahead this season, Sarah shares practical, timely tips to help you make the most of your grazing this season. In this episode, Sarah covers:· Current grass growth rates and average farm covers· Key grazing targets and maintaining sward quality· Fertiliser recommendations and the importance of replenish offtakes· Tips for managing newly reseeded paddocks and multispecies swards You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast
OviCast is the Teagasc Sheep podcast.
Presented by Ciaran Lynch it brings you the latest advice, insights and technical updates for the sheep industry.
Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast/
France