Pre-lamb Checklist
We are rapidly approaching that April/May period where important decisions need to be made about your pre-lambing treatments – trace elements, drench & vaccine. With the solid market prices for lambs in recent years and foreshadowed again this year, it really is a pretty good decision to spend a few dollars here to ensure healthy, fast growing lambs.
Trace Elements: Producers are all aiming for twin lambs, and have selected ewes & rams for this. So give those lambs every chance to grow out and be healthy. We have a nice green pick out there at present, but we must remember that the ewes are not just looking to look after themselves, but their lambs as well. They need fibre (so put some good hay out), plus the right balance of essential trace elements to ensure their lambs develop and they can recover from the lambing period in good condition. The ewes should be on a loose lick program now. Or, you can also treat them with an injectable product at the right time. Either strategy will be of great benefit to both the lambs and the ewe.
Drench: Local worm test results are quite varied at the moment, but keep in mind that the pre-lambing drench is your most important worm treatment of the year. Avoid single-active drenches and instead look to products with multiple active ingredients. They are available in down-the-throat or in capsule form.
Speak to your local FPAG store to get a worm test completed and advice on the right product for your property.
Vaccine: Producers have moved up from using 3-in-1 vaccines, to now use 6-in-1 products with selenium & B12. These are safe products and a great insurance against the vagaries of the growing season.
