Week 31: Sheep Farming Tips Before the Breeding…

Why is week 31 a strategic period for sheep farmers?

In week 31, we are in the middle of July, and yet it is already time to start thinking about autumn. For sheep farmers, this pivotal period directly determines the success of the breeding season, scheduled just a few weeks away. Anticipating now means giving yourself a serene breeding season and vigorous lambs come spring.

Flushing: naturally boosting your ewes' fertility

Flushing is a simple and effective technique that involves improving your ewes' nutrition two to three weeks before the breeding season begins. By gradually increasing their energy intake — through access to quality second-cut hay, fresh pasture, or a light cereal supplement — you stimulate ovulation and encourage the birth of twin lambs. Now is the right time to identify available paddocks and plan this dietary transition smoothly.

Assessing the body condition score of each ewe

Before starting your flushing programme, take the time to score the body condition (BCS) of each of your ewes. Run your hand over the lumbar vertebrae and ribs: a well-prepared ewe should score between 2.5 and 3.5 out of 5. Ewes that are too thin should be monitored as a priority, while those that are too fat should be kept away from excessive supplementation to avoid any problems at lambing. This individual monitoring, even with a small flock, really makes a difference.

Health and parasitism: an essential check-up in summer

The summer heat encourages the development of internal parasites, particularly gastrointestinal strongyles. Use this preparation period to carry out targeted faecal egg counts rather than treating the entire flock systematically. Selective treatment preserves the effectiveness of anthelmintics and reduces costs. Consult your veterinarian to establish a protocol suited to your local situation.

A practical reminder for the week

Here are the key actions to take right now: check your animals' hooves and trim them if necessary, inspect the condition of your fences before moving groups, and prepare your farm register to record body condition observations. These simple steps, carried out calmly during the summer, will save you many unexpected issues as the breeding season approaches. Your flock will repay you a hundredfold!