OviCast

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Latest Episodes:

Managing breeding ram lambs as the season draws to a close Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

Teagasc advisor, David Argue, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss some important aspects of ram lamb management as the breeding season draws to a close.

Management during the first season can have an impact on ram longevity, David begins by emphasising the importance of having rams acclimatised prior to turnout.

He discusses management of ram lambs during the breeding season and in particular the duration of the joining period.

David also highlights the importance of meeting their nutritional needs during the post mating period to allow them to regain condition and he offers his tips on minimising the risk of rams fighting when grouped up or removed from the ewes.

Finally, David explains some of the key health areas that need to be addressed as the season draws to a close.

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

Update from the Central Progeny Testing flocks’ improving margins Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

Sean Godfrey from Sheep Ireland is on this week’s OviCast podcast with an update on what’s happening in the Central Progeny Test (CPT) farms.

Sean first explains the role of the CPT flocks and the other sources of commercial data that goes into the evaluations.

He discusses the number of ewes and rams involved, plus the mating strategy on the farms from the use of cervical AI to mob mating and the role of genotyping to identify parentage.

With a lot of traits being measured on the farm Sean takes us through some of the key measurements and why they’re an invaluable source of maternal data.

Finally, Sean discusses performance recording, highlighting the benefits of signing up for LambPlus for pedigree and commercial breeders alike.

Find our more information on Sheep Ireland’s website: 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

The 12 steps to reduce gaseous emissions on sheep farm whilst improving margins Oct 18, 2022

Show notes

As part of Sustainability Week, Teagasc advisor Tom Coll joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss the 12 steps from the Teagasc Signpost team to reduce gaseous emissions on sheep farms.

Tom starts by highlighting how some of these steps will require a change of mindset, others are common practice on sheep farms which will not only have environmental benefits but will also result in better welfare and profitability on farms.

Tom breaks down the 12 steps into 3 key sections: land, livestock and inputs. He explains each of these individually detailing how the changes required might be implemented, what’s involved and the benefits it has for the environment and the farmer.

Finally, Tom encourages farmers to consider what steps they are already implementing and what additional areas they could focus on for the coming seasons.

For more information on the 12 Steps:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/environment/climate-change/signpost-programme/12-Steps-to-Reduce-Gaseous-Emissions-on-Sheep-Farms.pdf

And to find out about the Signpost programme go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/

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

Mating advice - reducing the risk posed by an infertile ram Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

Teagasc sheep specialist, Damian Costello, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast with key tips around ram management during the mating period.

Firstly, Damian emphasises the need to make sure the ram is physically sound and any aliments are addressed prior to turnout and how this could impact ram fertility.

Damian talks about the use of raddle and the need to observe mating activity and in particular repeats during the mating period.

He discusses dealing with injured rams and why it’s a good idea to check rams during the mating period, plus Damian explains why group mating with three or more rams reduces the risk of using an infertile ram and the advantages of mopping up ewes after the first cycle.

Finally, Damian advises not to over-use ram lambs or over-rely on older rams with ailments as the mating season progresses.

Podcast Survey

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

Planning the autumn grazing rotation Oct 04, 2022

Show notes

Dr Philip Creighton is on this week’s OviCast to discuss some key aspects of grazing management this autumn.

Philip first talks about current grazing conditions and supply on farms as well as some of the challenges this autumn.

He then discusses the closing plan and how this may need to be modified on farms where supplies are tight.

Philip explains how clover or multi species swards may have to be managed slightly differently at closing to get the best out of these swards.

Finally, Philip encourages farmers to review fertiliser and management strategies this year and assess what worked well or needs changing for the coming season.

Autumn closing planner:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/sheep/Sheep-Autumn-Closing-Planner.pdf

Podcast Survey

https://forms.office.com/r/mDZTE9zPy4

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

Farmer Focus: Drafting, breeding ewe lambs and grassland management in Co. Roscommon Sep 27, 2022

Show notes

Shane Moore, BETTER Farm Participant who is farming just outside Athleague in county Roscommon, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to talk about lamb performance and drafting.

With the breeding season around the corner, he discusses breeding ewe lambs and how this year’s cohort are shaping up.

Shane also discusses grassland management, overall production this year and how he has made some changes to his management from using protected urea to using a dribble bar for slurry to establishing clover based swards in response to increased input costs.

Shane then explains the autumn grazing plan on the farm and finishes up highlighting the upcoming open day on the 6th of October at 6:30pm.

Details of the farm walk can be found here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/gfoty-shanemoore.php

Podcast Survey

https://forms.office.com/r/mDZTE9zPy4

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

Getting a handle on lamb drafting Sep 20, 2022

Show notes

Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss some important aspects of lamb drafting at this point in the season.

Michael discusses the national kill and type of carcass being supplied and he discusses the expected kill out percentage in lambs and what can influence it.

He also explains the issues with under-fleshed carcasses, both in terms of delivering returns to the producer and the type of carcass they produce.

Michael then highlights the key areas to focus on for lamb finishing and how to trouble shoot some of the problems.

Finally, Michael emphasises the importance of not only drafting at the correct weight but also ensuring there is adequate cover when drafting lambs.

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

Gearing up for another year in Kildalton Agricultural College Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

With another college year starting off, Emma Tobin from Kildalton Agricultural College joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to highlight the different full time and part time courses that are available.

Emma discusses the blended approach to learning from the classroom to the practical side of flock management as well as some of the newer technologies they use.

She also discusses the college sheep flock and its management and how it forms a vital part of student education before finishing up to explain the role of on-farm placement and how it provides students with an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand experience.

You can find out more about Teagasc Kildalton here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/education/teagasc-colleges/kildalton/

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

Haemonchus contortus: a parasite challenge to be aware of in sheep Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

Séamus Fagan from the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Veterinary Lab in Athlone joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep.

Séamus explains how this parasite is sometimes referred to as the barber’s pole and how it affects sheep.

With some cases appearing around the country this year, he discusses the symptoms, transmission and control options as well as diagnosis in flocks.

Finally, Séamus encourages farmers to be vigilant when it comes to flock health issues, investigate further and seek advice where needed.

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

Farmer Focus: Francis Gonley in Co Sligo & his plans for lamb finishing Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

BETTER Farm participant, Francis Gonley, and programme manager, Dr. Frank Campion, are on this week’s OviCast podcast to chat about Francis’ system and lamb finishing this autumn.

Francis starts off explaining his lowland and hill system, grass growth and how the lambs have performed this season.

He discusses his reasons for selling off the lighter lambs from both flocks as stores, while Frank discusses the level of performance of the long keep lambs and how they don’t suit every system.

Francis details his options for selling and finishing the remaining lambs on the farm this autumn.

Finally, Francis and Frank highlight the upcoming open day on the farm and what topics will be covered and for more information on the event, go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/bettersheepwalksligo.php

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