Pre-Lamb Checklist
The period leading up to lambing each year is when important decisions need to be made about your ewe and lamb treatments – Trace elements, drench strategy and vaccine treatment. Most of these decisions will be made utilising history from the previous 12 – 24 months about the ewes, plus the lambing paddock’s history.
With solid market pricing being the norm in recent years, a few well invested dollars spent now, will ensure healthy fast-growing lambs, plus ewes that will continue to be a good contributor to farm production.
Trace Elements
Essential for good health and performance, cutting corners in this area will lead to poor production, sometimes rapidly, often though over time. The Fleurieu is a recognised region that is low in essential trace elements, selenium, copper and cobalt. If the ewes have not been treated with a long acting (slow release) trace element, it is important that they are treated at pre-joining and pre-lambing. There are several injectable products that can be applied. During lactation it is desirable for the ewes to have access to a loose-lick product suitable for the region or available feed in the paddock or being supplemented.
Drench
Many would suggest that this is the most important treatment time for ensuring we treat our ewes with the best product we can. This treatment should be based upon drench history plus the results of recent worm tests. At this time of the year, the history of the lambing paddock is an important component that should not be ignored when deciding on what product should be used. Avoid single active drenches, look to products with multi-active ingredients. If a decision is made to use a long-acting product, consideration needs to be given to the application of a priming treatment, plus testing at around the day 60 mark to check how well the product is working; a “tail cut” treatment will also be part of this program.
Vaccine
Pre-lambing is when we treat our ewes with their annual booster. This will give the lambs short-term protection until they can be treated. A vaccine that includes cheesy gland coverage, plus if there is a history of arthritis on the property, this should be a consideration as well. Do it right, treat the lambs twice, 4 – 6 weeks apart.
FPAG staff are available to help you make the best decisions. In house worm testing, access to outside independent facilities as well, ensure we can make well informed decisions. The establishment of treatment programs for worm management, trace element advice and vaccine selection are all areas we can help.
