Reducing Your Lambing Losses - A Case Study at Bankhouse Farm

Lambing losses at Bankhouse Farm in Galashiels have averaged 7% over the last five years, which is half the Scottish upland flock average, according to QMS data (refer to "Bankhouse Farm lamb mortality figures").

Graham Lofthouse, the farmer managing a flock of Easycare ewes that produces roughly 1,000 lambs annually, attributes success in reducing losses to nutrition and flock management.

He outlines his approach as follows:

Nutrition The primary focus to minimise lambing losses is on nutrition.

Given the farm's characteristics, Mr Lofthouse manages lambing for some ewes indoors and others outdoors. Prior to lambing, all ewes are approximately 70kg.

The key to success in an indoor system is simplicity in feeding, he states.

The fundamental diet is largely silage, with the addition of 0.3kg of wheat dark grains, making the total feed have a metabolisable energy (ME) content of 11.6MJ/kg dry matter (DM) and 16% crude protein per kg DM. About four weeks before lambing, ewes expecting triplets receive an additional 0.2kg of wheat dark grains on top of their regular feed.

Ewes with a single lamb are fed the basic diet every alternate day, interspersed with just silage on the other days.

Flock Management The management of ewes, both prior to and following lambing, is crucial in minimising losses.

Pre-Lambing:

• Grouping Ewes: Six weeks before lambing, ewes are brought indoors and divided according to their scan results. Their body condition score is checked, aiming for a score of 3. Underweight single-lamb ewes are moved to the twin feed level. Similarly, twin-bearing ewes needing more nutrition join the triplets' feeding group. Any in the triplet group struggling with their diet are moved to the best grass available until lambing.
• Feed Space: Each ewe is guaranteed access to feed space.
• Blood Test: The University of Edinburgh conducts beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) tests on about 20 ewes carrying twins or triplets a month before lambing. This test indicates if the diet has adequate protein and energy, with high ketosis levels signalling an imbalance. It also provides insights into long-term protein levels.
• Bedding and Hygiene: The farm uses a straw-based system, refreshing bedding every third day with spring barley straw in the main sheds. Sheds are thoroughly cleaned three to four weeks before lambing if used for more than six weeks prior.
• Individual Pens: As ewes begin to lamb within group pens, individual pens are set up around them to reduce stress. After bonding with her lambs, the ewe is moved to a post-lambing individual pen.

Post-Lambing:

• Stress Management: Keeping stress levels low is vital for maintaining the ewes' condition and health.
• Iodine: Lambs' navels are treated with iodine twice; initially just before entering the post-lambing area and again 4-6 hours later. This period also includes checks for ewes' milk supply and colostrum.
• Water: Essential for milk production, a piping system ensures constant access to fresh water, with a flushing system for cleanliness.
• Nutrition: Post-lambing, ewes continue on the same base ration as before lambing to avoid health and milk supply issues. An additional 0.3kg of blend, including wheat dark grains and a small amount of rolled barley, is introduced to support energy and protein levels.
• Group Pens: After 24 hours, twins and triplets are moved to group pens, with turnout a day later. Single-lamb ewes are turned out within 12-24 hours of birth.

 

According to Mr Lofthouse there are some very specific reasons as to why losses occur: 

Strategic Turnout Grass availability is crucial for successful turnout. He utilises specific grazing heights to ensure ewes can produce enough milk without the need for additional supplements.

His grazing height targets are as follows:

Singles: a minimum of 4cm
Twins/Triplets: 5-6cm

In challenging years, supplemental feeds may be required. For instance, if grass heights fall below 4cm for twins, an additional 0.5kg of supplementary feed is provided at both ends of the day.

Graham Lofthouse identifies several key factors influencing losses:

Body Condition Score A less than optimal body condition score can adversely affect ovulation, placenta quality, colostrum, milk supply, and milking efficiency, all of which can lead to diminished lamb performance or increased losses. These fundamental principles apply regardless of whether the system is indoor or outdoor.

Nutrition Nutritional imbalances can impact embryo implantation, lamb birth weight, and colostrum supply, as well as the ewe's performance over her lifetime. Crucially, it influences the quality of the lambs she produces.

Genetics Genetics also play a significant role in lamb losses. Pelvic size can influence mortality rates, and the ovulation rate determines the number of lambs born. Additionally, the maternal capabilities of the ewe—essentially, her effectiveness as a mother—are also vital.

The Farmer The farmer is the pivotal element linking all these factors, arguably exerting the greatest influence on the farm's outcomes, both positively and negatively.

(Farmers weekly)