January 28, 2021 6:00 am
Lambing accounts for over 25% of the annual labour requirement on a sheep farm, so any steps that can be taken to reduce labour is really important.
On tonight’s Teagasc Virtual Sheep Conference at 8:00pm, hear how you can reduce labour at lambing by improving lamb vigour and ewe mothering ability through breeding. Still time to register now at: www.teagasc.ie/sheepcon21.
The study of genes and genetic variation, is a powerful tool at the disposal of farmers to identify the genetically elite animals to be the parents of the next generation. All improvements achieved through breeding are permanent and cumulative, meaning their consequences will be seen in the flock for many years to come.
Tuesday, 26 January
This session hosted by Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc, delivered a strong New Zealand influence as Teagasc Walsh Scholar Nicola Fetherstone gave an update on the INZAC trial in Athenry which compares one-star and five-star Irish ewes with elite New Zealand ewes. Hear how New Zealand ewes surpassed the performance of both Irish groups for litter size, ewe survival, lambing dystocia and lamb vigour.
The conference also heard from Prof. Paul Kenyon PhD, Professor of Sheep Husbandry at Massey University, New Zealand, and the head of the School of Agriculture and Environment. Paul works collaboratively with farmers, industry and veterinarians throughout New Zealand and is a regular presenter at industry and farmer events. Paul presented a paper on New Zealand feeding guidelines for growing lambs to target live weights on herbage. Professor Kenyon also outlined lamb production from pasture in New Zealand, including grazing management
January 26, 2021 6:00 am
An exciting line up of Teagasc and international speakers have been assembled for the Teagasc Virtual Sheep Conference, which takes place across two evenings, starting tonight, Tuesday, January 26, at 8:00pm, with the second session taking place on Thursday, January 28.
New Zealand influence
Tonight’s session hosted by Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc, will deliver a strong New Zealand influence as Teagasc Walsh Scholar Nicola Fetherstone provides an update on the INZAC trial in Athenry which compares one-star and five-star Irish ewes with elite New Zealand ewes.
Nicola’s studies has involved not only the collection and analysis of a vast amount of data on the INZAC flock including reproductive, lambing, ewe and lamb growth, performance and productivity, but also allowed her to travel to New Zealand for a three-month period to link up with agri-consultancy firm AbacusBio and increase her knowledge in the area of New Zealand
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Teagasc Virtual Sheep Conference
The annual national Teagasc Sheep Conference is going virtual this year and will take place across two evenings at 8pm on Tuesday, 26th January and Thursday, 28th January. An exciting line up of Teagasc and international speakers have been assembled for the two sessions.
Teagasc Virtual Sheep Conference on Tuesday, 26th January and Thursday 28th January
Speaking in advance of the virtual conference, Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc said: “As we face into 2021, this is an important opportunity for sheep farmers, and those in the sheep sector, to update their knowledge on a number of key aspects of lowland sheep production. I am particularly looking forward to hear from our international speakers, Paul Kenyon from New Zealand and UK vet Ben Shrugnal, on their respective topics.”