Getting best results from ewes

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32862, 10 March 1972, Page 13

Getting best results from ewes

This item on the care of ewes prior to and immediately after tupping has been contributed by M. G. Bradley. M.N.Z.S.F.M.. extension officer of Merck, Sharp and Dohme. *»»***#*##♦*•**#**********<

’ Now that the harvest ’ .is just about over many farmers are thinking labout tupping. In most areas flushing feed is ;non-existent and hay •and grain feeding is .’fairly common. ‘ What can be done at this . stage to improve the prospects of a reasonable lamb " drop? Here are a few thoughts.

(a) Feeding: Give ewes priority on the best feed available until the rams go out and for at least the first five weeks of mating, trying to ensure that ewes

keep on improving in condition until then. After five weeks feed levels can be reduced with no harmful effect on lamb drop.

(b) Rams: Ensure all rams are fit and fertile.

(c) Eliminate other stresses: e.g., foot rot, pizzle rot, etc.

(d) Post-tupping treatment: There is an increasing volume of evidence suggesting that ewes and rams should be disturbed as little as possible during the tupping period. This indicates that mobbing up of ewes and rams could be a bad practice.

(e) Drenching ewes (and rams): Recent trials by both Merck Sharp and Dohme, other research workers and farmer observation have demonstrated that considerable improvement in lambing results from drenching ewes with thiabendazole in the three weeks before the rams go out. The trials have shown that up to 15 per cent of extra lambs for sale or retention in the flock can follow from the treatment, with an average expectation of 5 to 10 per cent.

The effect on wool was looked at on four properties last year and an improvement was obtained. This or 1 per cent extra lambs would more than cover the cost of drenching. Most of the increase in lambs comes from increased twinning and a smaller proportion from a reduction in dry ewes.

Research workers at this stage presume that the results stem from the wormkilling properties of thiabendazole, but because of other properties of the drug, e.g. anti-fungal and antibacterial, it is speculated that other factors may be involved.

However, it has now been well established that farmers will substantially improve their cash returns by drenching their ewes within the three weeks before the rams go out

Rams should also be drenched since it has been demonstrated that they work a lot better free of worms.