Sheep News

Enzootic abortion (EAE) is responsible for considerable losses in the UK sheep industry. Yet, despite adequate vaccine availability and veterinary advice on disease prevention, the endemic disease is still present in many flocks, and many farmers only vaccinate after an outbreak.

Farmers are being encouraged to assess the risk of abortion in their sheep ahead of the next tupping season and work with their vet if necessary to minimise lamb losses next year.

A new initiative to breed sheep with naturally low methane emissions has been awarded £2.9m funding through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme and will see farmers, researchers and businesses come together to make a positive contribution to UK agriculture’s journey towards net zero.

Farmers, breeders and smallholders in the East of England will have the opportunity to buy and sell pedigree Southdown sheep at a new early breeders sale taking place for the first time at Thrapston Livestock Market on Saturday 29th July.

Livestock farmers will continue to have uninterrupted access to key cobalt salts as emergency authorisation for cobalt in livestock feeds has been granted for England and Wales following approval in Scotland.

Sheep farmers are advised to be on high alert for a spike in the worm burden of lambs as recent wet weather is expected to cause a dramatic rise in the number of worm larvae on pastures.

After a late start to the blowfly season, recent hot weather has increased the risk to ‘high’ throughout the UK – and this will quickly rise further if there is any rainfall in the next few weeks.

A vaccine developed by Scottish scientists that is considered one of the most significant advances in global livestock health over the last 25 years has been given renewed recognition as part of this year’s RHASS Presidential Initiative.

The yeast fermentation additive Celmanax has been shown by a recent study to increase daily liveweight gains and reduce finishing times in lambs that received supplementation, saving farmers £18.91 per head when feed cost was taken into account.

A day of discussion and knowledge exchange centred around upland sheep farming awaits farmers at Ballindalloch Home Farm in Speyside, Scotland, with the specialist event featuring a display of state-of-the-art technology used to measure GHG emissions in sheep.

The Scottish Government’s decision recognises the risks of cobalt deficiency to animal health and welfare.

The two-day show and sale is the pinnacle of the Valais Blacknose calendar, giving UK breeders the chance to showcase their animals and battle it out for the accolade of Overall Supreme Champion.