OviCast

Teagasc Advisor, Edward Egan, joins us on this week's OviCast to explain about how to make the most of scanning results.
 
Edward shares insights from over a decade of working with farmer discussion groups to help them use their scanning data more effectively to monitor flock performance. 
 
He discusses both the short-term actions that can improve outcomes immediately, and the long-term management changes that can enhance flock efficiency and productivity over time.
 
We also explore some of the trends and patterns Edward has observed throughout the years. 
 
For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For the final OviCast of the year, we're reposting one of the most popular shows from 2025 with Jonathan Higgins, who with his father Philip, runs a mid-season lambing sheep flock, alongside a contract heifer-rearing system in Skreen, Co. Sligo.
 
Jonathan talks to us about their contract rearing system and we delve into the performance and management of the ewe flock in detail. We also explore the challenges of farming on a fragmented unit with varying land types.
 
Plus we spend time discussing the role of mixed-species swards on the farm, with Jonathan sharing his experience of managing them over the past few seasons. 
 
For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this special joint podcast on bluetongue with Catherine Egan from the Beef Edge and Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge, we’re joined by vet John Donlon to get an insight into bluetongue.
 
Primarily transmitted via biting midges, the cases on farms in Northern Ireland significantly reinforces the need for awareness on farms in the Republic of Ireland. 
 
Early action, identification and isolation will be key in reducing the potential for further virus spread.
 
Temperature is a major factor in the transmission of bluetongue. The typical transmission period usually runs from late spring to early autumn, especially during the summer months. During the winter, the risk of disease spread is much lower.
 
Bluetongue is associated with many symptoms. Typically, in affected cattle and sheep, the main symptoms may include: fever and loss of appetite; drop in milk yield (dairy cows); reddening of mucous membranes; sores on the nose, gums or dental pads; swelling of the face, lips or tongue (‘blue tongue’); breathing difficulties, drooling or nasal/eye discharge; lameness due to inflammation at the top of the hoof; abortion or foetal deformities; and, in severe cases, infection can result in death.
 
For further info: 
Teagasc urges vigilance on bluetongue - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority
 
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, meaning anyone who suspects an animal may have the disease is legally obliged to notify DAFM without delay.
 
To report a suspected case of Bluetongue virus to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), you should immediately contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) or the National Disease Emergency Hotline. 
 
Contact details:
·      During office hours (9 am - 5 pm): Contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO)
·      Outside office hours (operational 365 days a year): Ring the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 492 8026
 
For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins us to discuss practical approaches to reducing labour demands during the winter housing and lambing period.
 
Damian outlines key husbandry practices that can help minimise interventions with ewes later in the season, highlighting how early planning can pay dividends when workload is at its peak. 
 
We also explore the importance of shed layout, pen design and ventilation in creating an efficient working environment.
 
The discussion covers a range of potential investments, from simple, low-cost improvements to more significant upgrades, all aimed at making day-to-day tasks easier and reducing pressure during this time of year.
 
For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to explore key grazing management tips for the weeks ahead.
 
Nikki discusses end-of-season grazing management, including closing targets and best practices for managing forage crops. 
 
As the grazing season draws to a close, we look at reviewing field grazing performance on your own farm and identify areas for improvement. 
 
We also consider some key investments that could help boost productivity in the year ahead.
 
Sign up 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