OviCast

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Latest Episodes:

Teagasc’s Labour on Sheep Farms Survey Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

Sheep specialist, Damian Costello, joins us on this week’s OviCast as we discuss a new survey just launched that is examining labour on sheep farms.

Labour is widely acknowledged as a big challenge in the running of a sheep enterprise, particularly in an era where part-time, sheep farming is now the norm.

Damian talks about the key areas the survey is examining and how this information will help inform future discussions.

We finish up with Damian explaining how to complete it online and in paper formant

The link to the survey is:

https://bit.ly/47yLo23

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Checking teeth, molar problems and other health issues this autumn Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Seamus Fagan from the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Veterinary Lab in Athlone joins us for the latest OviCast episode as we discuss various health issues this autumn.

With many flocks completing the final check over ewes before going to the ram, Seamus highlights some of the teeth problems they have been seeing in the lab in recent years that are going under-diagnosed and how this is contributing to thinner ewes.

We focus in particular on molar teeth problems in ewes, how they present and the impact that it can have.

We also discuss other health issues seen this autumn - in particular clostridial challenges.

Finally Seamus emphasises the importance of monitoring ewe condition over the coming months and investigating causes of ill-thrift.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Focus on sheep scab and treatment options Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

Bimeda Vet, Rachel Mallet, joins us on this week’s OviCast as we discuss sheep scab and treatment options.

Rachel first explains how sheep scab occurs, how it is spread and correct diagnosis. We then discuss the various treatment options for both conventional and organic flocks.

We finish up discussing plunge dipping with Rachel highlighting best practice when completing this task.

For more information on mobile sheep dip operators go to:

https://www.bimeda.ie/mobile-sheep-dippers

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Ploughing 2024 – focus on lamb finishing Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Sheep specialists, Michael Gottstein and Damian Costello, are on this week’s OviCast as they discuss the focus on lamb finishing at the sheep section of the Teagasc stand at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

Michael talks to us about some of the decisions that need to be made with regards to lamb finishing and purchasing stores this autumn.

Damian takes us through some of the technical areas they will focus on and they discuss the demo that will be there on the day.

We finish up with Michael encouraging those visiting to drop in and visit the team to discuss the options for finishing lambs and all other sheep related queries.

Link to the store lamb calculator:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/sheep/Store-lamb-finishing-calculator_2024.xlsx

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

September Grass10 Update Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update on the latest OviCast podcast discussing grass management tips for the month ahead.

Niamh discusses current growth rates and grass covers and some of the variation across the country. We discuss building covers and planning ahead for closing up paddocks.

Niamh also discusses the fertiliser register and upcoming deadlines for fertiliser slurry and FYM.

We finish up with Niamh offering tips on grazing autumn reseeds.

For more, you can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter at:
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

Lameness: survey results of causes and farmer management practices in Ireland Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

For this week’s OviCast, we catch up with postgraduate student, Jake Delaney, to discuss some of the results of a survey he collected last year looking at ovine lameness in Ireland and assessment of farmer management.

Jakes gives us some background to the issues and his survey and we discuss the type and level of lameness reported and the increased levels of CODD.

Jake talks to us about correct identification and the impact that can have on control. We discuss management practices on farm to reduce lameness, prompt treatment, culling repeat offenders and quarantine.

We finish up with Jake summarising some of the key findings and other ongoing work in the area.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Post-weaning lamb performance Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Frank Campion re-joins us as we discuss lamb performance post-weaning on the latest OviCast podcast.

Frank talks about lamb performance on farms post-weaning and some of the factors that influence this.

We discuss lamb growth rates since weaning on the BETTER farms and how they have been managing lambs.

We move on to discuss lamb management, finish times, supplementation and where the priorities lie on farms for the coming weeks.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Focus on getting condition on Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Frank Campion joins us on this week’s OviCast as we discuss getting the ewe flock in the right condition for mating.

Frank discusses some of the tasks that need to be completed at the moment. We discuss the ewe condition on the better farms post weaning and some of the causes of low body condition at present and the management of replacement hoggets.

We move on to discuss nutritional requirements, grazing management and keeping sufficient replacements.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

August Grass10 Update Aug 24, 2024

Show notes

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead.

Niamh discusses current growth rates and grass covers and some of the variation across the country.

We discuss building covers as we head into the autumn with Niamh offering advice on reducing demand and fertiliser application.

We finish up with Niamh offering tips on grazing management at present.

For more, 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

Is autumn reseeding an option? Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

We’re joined on this week’s OviCast by Dr Philip Creighton to discuss autumn redesign.

We start by discussing the impact of timing on reseeds. We discuss field prep, different reseeding methods and their suitability and fertiliser and lime applications.

Philip also explains variety selection and the inclusion of clover, plus we discuss post-sowing management, the grazing of new reseeds this autumn and the impact that can have on production next spring.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast