Because you CAN have Quantity & Quality 2013/2014 Yearbook

Transcription

1 Belclare SHEEP SOCIETY Because you CAN have Quantity & Quality 2013/2014 Yearbook Belclare Sheep Society Website:

2 Only protects against Pasteurella and Clostridia * Vaccinate your breeding flock NOW R Heptavac P Plus is indicated for the active immunisation of sheep to reduce mortality and clinical signs of clostridial diseases such as lamb dysentery, pulpy kidney, struck, tetanus, braxy, blackleg and black disease, and to reduce mortality and clinical signs of pneumonic and systemic pasteurellosis. For a complete list of components included in the vaccine* and any further information, please contact MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353(0) Legal Category: LM in R.O.I. and POM-VPS in Nth Irl. Use Medicines Responsibly.

3 Contents Breeders Adverts Eunan Bannon (Slanemore Hill Flock)...31 Larry Barrett (Kilmeany)... 6 Roy Butler (Moatland Flock)...30 Liam Delaney (Delaney Flock)...29 Liam & Eoin Dunne...14 Tom Flanagan (Legeaune Lambs Flock)...21 Michael Gottstein (Coolkellure)... 3 Declan & Joe Miley (Knockcroghery Flock)...12 Michael Neenan (Kilflynn)... 8 PJ & mary Jo O Dea (Esker Pedigrees)...29 John Renehan (Violet Hill Belclares)...10 Tom Sice... 8 Commercial Adverts Intervet/Schering-plough... 4 Mullinahone Co-op...15 MSD - Heptavac-P plus...inside front cover Sheep Ireland... 6 Smyth s Daleside Quality Feeds...25 Tracesure...24 Univet Curafluke...inside back cover Articles Belclares Shine in Sheep Research...27 Bord Bía Quality Assurance Scheme... 7 Breed Characteristics...26 Chairman Address... 2 Greek-style Lamb Kebabs...22 Members List...32 Membership Application Form...17 Minced Lamb with Pak Choy and Chillies...16 Replacement Policy and Management...18 Ring of Kerry Quality Lamb...13 Sales Dates back cover Schmallenberg Virus Recent Developments... 9 Sheep Ireland... 4 The History of the Belclare Sheep Society...11 The Young Shepherd...23

4 2 Chairman s Address I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to this our second yearbook. Our society is numerical small but consists of enthusiastic breeders who have gone to great lengths to improve and develop the breed over the last 28 years. It has been well documented that lamb output is the greatest contributor to farm profitability. Belclare sired ewes deliver on average an additional 20 lambs for every 100 ewes mated. This extra output is achieved with very little additional cost as the greatest costs on a sheep farm are associated with maintain the ewe flock. Belclare ewes are good milkers and this has been clearly demonstrated by farmers who have mated ewe lambs in their first year and found that Belclare sired ewe lambs have no problems rearing twin lambs, where terminal sired ewe lambs often require the removal of one of the lambs to ensure adequate milk is supplied to the remaining lambs. In addition Belclare sired ewes are easily lambed, have excellent resistance to diseases such as footrot, stomach worms and mastitis and are of a moderated body size and are therefore easily maintained. The past 18 months have been difficult for sheep farmers, as costs for most inputs have increased dramatically and adverse weather has hampered grass growth. Hopefully this summer will be better and that lamb prices will hold up for the sheep producers who are committed to the industry. I would like to draw your attention to our list of sale dates which are published on the back page of this yearbook. Over 3,000 sheep farmers are participating in the new Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) and all of these will be required to use a ram that has been evaluated under the Sheep Ireland Lamb Plus Programme and achieve a minimum of 3 stars under any one of the three indices. The Belclare Sheep Society have been recording all of the sheep in the breed since our foundation in 1985 and we were also the first breed society to transfer all our pedigree information and flock book to sheep Ireland in This means that all Pedigree Registered Belclare sheep are recorded in the lamb plus programme and all the sheep at all of our society sales have Euro Star information provided, giving sheep farmers the information that they need to make an informed choice. I hope you enjoy reading this yearbook and that you find the information contained in it useful. If you have any questions on any issue surrounding Belclare Sheep feel free to contact any of our members or contact our Secretary Michael Neenan, whose contact details are contained in this yearbook. Declan Miley Chairman

5 Coolkellure Pedigree Belclare Flock Because you can have quantity and quality Established 2004 Lamb Plus Recorded Flock Code MG (Formerly Dungaill Flock) Flock Achievements Champion Belclare Ram Lambs & top price at premier sale in 2005 & 2008 Reserve Champion Ram Lambs at premier sale in 2008 & 2010 Champion & Reserve Champion Clonmel show st Prize senior ewe at All Ireland Champ - Sheep 2010 All of the last five premier sale champions have been Sired by rams bred in our flock or have been out of ewes sired by rams bred in our flock. Our flock has in every year since first entering rams into the premier sale (2005) been awarded at least one rosette. Over 100 pedigree females mated each year ensures we have a huge choice of rams to suit every flock and every pocket. Sires Used MR ; a five star ram, All Ireland Championship Sheep 2010, Lyons Estate and was overall reserve champion. He is the current backbone of our flock. MY ; a five star ram purchased Tullamore 2010 where he was Champion. He stood 1st prize ram lamb and Reserve Champion in the Belclare National Championships at Tullamore show TF ; reserve champion at last years premier sale. A great carcase sheep who has grown into a massive shearling Attention: As we have sold our farm and are moving to a much smaller holding we are this year dispearsing 50% of our Flock. We are holding a joint inlamb ewe sale with the Knockcrogery flock. Date and venue to be confirmed. Enquiries & Visitors always welcome Michael Gottstein Coolkellure House, Coolkellure, Dunmanway, Co. Cork tel.:

6 Sheep Ireland The number of Pedigree Belclare breeders remains very steady and it is great that all of these breeders are actively participating in Sheep Irelands breed improvement programme. Full participation by the breed society in this programme allows us to maximise the genetic advancement of the breed. It also allows Sheep Ireland to carry out useful analysis of data recorded by the breed annually. One such example of this is Inbreeding analysis, which can help breeders identify potential risks and avoid problems. Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) The launch of STAP by the Department of Agriculture earlier this year, will provide all performance recording breeders with a fantastic opportunity. A compulsory element of the scheme requires participating STAP farmers to use a LambPlus recorded ram in their flock. These rams need to have a minimum of 3 stars for any of the three main recorded traits Production, Maternal & Lambing. This scheme will undoubtedly increase the awareness of the EuroStar rams across the industry. Belclare breeders should do all in their power to promote the benefit of using rams with good EuroStar evaluations in delivering lambs with superior genetics and performance. EuroStars help every sheep farmer to make more informed decisions when purchasing a ram. For example when purchasing a ram to breed flock replacements, it is very difficult to determine the maternal ability of that rams daughters by the rams appearance. However, when the ram has genetic evaluations this can give some degree of information as to what his daughters maternal ability may be. With such strong participation in STAP, there will undoubtedly be a greater demand for LambPlus evaluated lambs with strong EuroStars. As of May 2013 an online Sheep Ireland ram search has been made available to make sourcing performance recorded rams easy. This search is accessible through the Sheep Ireland home page, allowing all sheep farmers to search EuroStar rams by county, breed and eligibility for STAP. Accuracy % One thing which breeders and ram buyers must strive to find is EuroStar evaluations with high accuracy %. The higher the accuracy % values, the more confident ram buyers can be in the information being provided. The benefit of using high Accuracy rams is outlined below. Accuracy (%) Average lamb weaning weights (100 days of age) Progeny from 1 Star rams Progeny from 5 Star rams Av. Difference 60% and above 30.3 kg 34.3 kg 4.0 kg Table 1: Information collected from commercial lamb data, recorded on MALP & CPT flocks in

7 The future of genetics? Much has been reported of the exciting role that genomics is currently playing in genetic progress within the Irish dairy & beef industry. Essentially genomics allows breeders to identify desirable genetics in very young animals by simply analysing a DNA sample from that animal. In the dairy industry this is done by taking a hair sample from the tails of new born calves. Using all the performance recording data that has been collected on dairy animals throughout the years, geneticists can identify the genes that carry the most profitable traits. These genes can then be identified in the DNA of very young calves born each year. It is thought that the information provided by genomic testing is equivalent to a bull having 15 daughters milking in herd. The information provided by genomic analysis facilitates rapid identification of the best genetic available to the industry in very young calves, thus maximising the speed of genetic progress. The very same technology could be applied to the Irish sheep industry. Before genomics in sheep can become a reality it is necessary to build up a sufficient amount of performance data. In association with this performance data it is necessary to collect DNA samples from as many performance recorded sheep as possible. A combination of DNA samples and performance data will enable geneticists in future to identify the genes that carry the most profitable sheep traits. These genes can then be looked for in the DNA of young sheep, speeding up the rate of genetic gain that can be made annually. The Belclare sheep society is in a great position to avail of this technology as the breed is collecting a lot of performance data annually. It is estimated by geneticists that in order for genomics to be viable in sheep it would be necessary to have performance records for over 1000 rams for an individual breed. While this level of data is not currently available, it would be very wise to start taking some action to facilitate genomics in future years. As much performance recording as possible, and the collection and storage of DNA samples from Belclare performance recorded rams will lay the foundations for rapid future progress. 5

8 Sheep Ireland are proud to be involved with the Belclare Sheep Society and look forward to advancing the breed in Ireland through continued flock recording through our Lambplus service. Euro-Star evaluations are fast becoming the currency in which commercial sheep farmers are trading their breeding stock. The Belclare Sheep Society is to the forefront of this movement within the industry. Contact the Lambplus office on or with any queries you may have. Kilmeany Pedigree Livestock Larry Barrett, Rathcrogue, Carlow (Located 3K South West of Carlow town, Wexford Road or just off the M9 exit 5) Breeds Belclare sheep and Charolais cattle. Started breading Belclare sheep in 1988 and Charolais cattle in Have won 6 all Ireland Belclare Championships. Available breed improvement has always been used this is currently Star rating. All sheep are genotype category 1 or are off category 1 rams and ewes Enquiries & Visitors Welcome Larry Barrett Tel: Mobile: lbcarlow@gmail.com

9 Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme Quality Assurance Growing in Importance: The use of the Bord Bia Quality logo on-pack is growing in popularity since its launch on lamb back in According to Bord Bia retail store audits, the percentage of facings of lamb product with the Quality Mark has risen from 55% to 84% in the period December 2010 to This provides clear evidence that Irish retailers are committed to promoting Quality Assured Irish lamb and together with a growing number of Irish consumers looking for the Quality Mark the demand for this lamb is set to grow. Overall numbers of lamb producers in the BLQAS scheme stand at just over 9,300, which roughly equates to 45% of our national throughput. The announcement of the Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is a welcome initiative in potentially growing the membership base of BLQAS amongst lamb producers. How does the Quality Assurance audit and certification process work? As our Quality Assurance schemes are certified to the highest International level (EN45011) there are a number of procedures that must be followed. 7

10 Firstly, producers can either apply directly to Bord Bia or through a meat plant. Existing members of the scheme are audited every months, and are notified by Bord Bia when the audit his due. When received, the application is assigned to an independent auditor by a Bord Bia approved inspection body. The auditor then contacts the farmer to arrange a time and date suitable to carry out the audit. Once the audit has been completed it is reviewed and then sent to a weekly certification committee, where the final decision is made regarding approval. A certificate is then issued to the farmer if they pass the audit or otherwise they are notified that they are ineligible for certification. At this stage the farmer will also receive an audit report outlining details of possible areas for improvement. Preparing for the Audit In advance of the farm audit, producers should: Review their flock register (manual or online) to ensure it is fully up-to-date. Make sure that the animal remedies register (manual or computer-based) is properly completed and up-to-date. Check that records have been kept of all feeds purchased onto the farm (delivery dockets, feed bag labels etc.). Update the Bord Bia Farm Book records (Animal Health Plan, home-grown feeds). Ensure that a fully up-to-date copy of your Farm Safety Statement is available for inspection (This can be completed online. See Michael Neenan Dromakee Kilflynn Tralee Co. Kerry Kilflynn Pedigree Belclare Flock Established 2006 Lamb Plus Recorded Hogget and ram lambs for sale at home Enquiries & Visitors Welcome Tom Sice Boyhill, Athenry Co. Galway One of the Founding members of the Belclare Sheep Society Pedigree Hogget and ram lambs available each autumn for sale at pedigree sales and home sales Enquiries & Visitors Welcome 8

11 Schmallenberg virus recent developments Fergal Morris MVB, MBA, MRCVS, MSD Animal Health Discovery Clinical signs of disease including pyrexia, milk drop, inappetance, decrease in body condition and in some cases diarrhoea were observed in cattle in Germany in August Cases were also reported in The Netherlands. Investigations and diagnostics excluded known pathogens as the cause of the disease. In November 2011 a new RNA virus was identified by metagenomic analysis of blood samples from diseased cattle by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute in Germany. The virus has been named as Schmallenberg virus (SBV) after the German town from which the blood samples originated. Since then disease has been diagnosed in a number of European countries, and was first diagnosed in Ireland October Schmallenberg virus The novel virus is now known to belong to the genus Orthobunyavirus of the simbu group of the family Bunyaviridae. Within the simbu serogroup are Akabane virus and Shamonda virus. The simbu serogroup of viruses are found in Africa, Asia, North and South America and Australia. Akabane virus is distributed throughout Australia, Japan and Israel. The natural hosts of SBV appear to be domestic (cattle, sheep and goats) and wild ruminants. The origin of SBV remains unknown. Transmission Transmission of SBV is indirect via insect vectors especially midges (Culicoides spp.) and possibly other insect species. Direct transmission between animals is not thought to occur. The vector season in Ireland, when biting midges are active, can run from April until November hence this is the time when SBV is expected to spread. However, cases have occurred when midges are not thought to be active hence other means of transmission are being investigated. Once an animal is infected research indicates that the viraemia is short in duration (2-5 days). During this viraemic phase a biting midge can become infected. The peak activity is in August and Sept, this is why early lambing flocks have seen the highest incidence. In some early lambing flocks in Wexford, Wicklow and Cork up to 50% foetal abnormalities have been reported. Clinical signs There are two distinct clinical situations associated with infection. During the vector season acute infection in adult animals manifests as high temperature, inappetance, weight loss, milk drop and occasionally diarrhoea. To date, affected dairy herds have had outbreaks of acute disease of 2-3 weeks duration. Individual animals have fully recovered within days of infection. Acute disease of adult animals has been observed in cattle with little evidence of this in adult sheep. In the UK dairy herds are used as the canary in the coal mine for surveillance purposes. This is because clinical signs are limieted in adult sheep but in adult dairy cows, a 30-50% drop in milk yield is commonly seen. 9

12 The second manifestation of SBV is associated with malformations in the foetus when the dam becomes infected during pregnancy. This is the predominant presentation in sheep. The critical time period when dam infection leads to foetal abnormalities is after placenta formation and prior to the foetus becoming immunocompetent. This is estimated to be days gestation in cattle and days gestation in sheep. Abortion can occur in the last trimester of pregnancy or offspring can be born alive or dead at full term. Deformities are associated with musculoskeletal or central nervous systems. These include bent necks, twisted or straight limbs, domed skulls and undershot jaws are common. Brain damage is common and include varying degrees of cerebellar hypoplasia, this can result in lambs that cannot stand. Blind or dummy lambs or calves with an inability to suckle occur. In cases of twin gestation only one twin may be affected. It is not known how long the immunity lasts from natural infection. Diagnosis Dummy or malformed lambs should be submitted to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory to get a definite diagnosis. Bulk milk ELISA antibody testing is also available for use in dairy cows. Prevention A vaccine is now available for the control of Schmallenberg in Ireland. Vaccination of cows and sheep prior to pregnancy will be a useful aid in preventing foetal deformities associated with SBV. Vaccination should be completed 3 weeks before tupping in ewes. The use of insecticides will help to reduce the biting of the midges but will not prevent the transmission of the virus during pregnancy. Flock : JR Established : 1995 Violet Hill Belclares Breeding Not Feeding MALP and Lambplus recorded Top Quality commercially proven sires used Visitors and Enquiries always welcome Contact Name: John Renehan, Violet Hill, Johnstown, Kilkenny Contact Number:

13 The History of the Belclare Sheep Society by PJ O Dea The Belclare Sheep breed was a new word among sheep breeds in Ireland, when they appeared on the scene in the late 1970 s. This new breed was developed at An Forus Taluntais research centre at Belclare hence the name the breed. The Belclare breed came about solely by the vision, dedication and foresight of one man, Dr. J.P. Hanrahan, An Forus Taluntais (Now Teagasc). Dr Hanrahan a scientist in sheep breeding with much experience in Australia and elsewhere. Back home Dr Hanrahan saw the necessity to raise lamb numbers in the national flock where lamb percentage at the time stood at approx 125%. His initial work on the Belclare project involved research with ewes of many breeds that occasionally produced triplets. He later carried out trials with Finnish Landrace on Galway sheep. He next introduced LLeyn Sheep to the mix in the mid 70 s and so the nucleus of the Belclare was formed. The breed was first introduced to farmers in 1982 when a small number of sheep farmers were approached to breed rams for the institute which were bought back in the autumn for redistribution to interested sheep farmers. Forming the Belclare Sheep Society A meeting took place in the Royal Hoey Hotel, in Athlone on the 11th of October The purpose of the meeting was to form the Belclare Sheep Society. After long hours of discussions and suggestions the Belclare Sheep Society was formed and following officers were elected. President: Dr J.P. Hanrahan, Chairman Mr. PJ O Dea, Galway, Secretaries Mr Pat O Dea, Agricultural Institute, Mr. Joe Teasdale, Kilkenny, Committee: Mr. Niall Connellly, Louth, Mr. Pat Carey, Wicklow and Mr. Tom Sice, Galway. The Early Belclare The first Belclare sheep where called Belclare improvers and had a significant amounts of Finnish Landrace blood. Litter size was high but the breed lacked substance and conformation. To rectify this the Belclare s were crossed with Texel rams to produce what was termed the Belclare Mark II from which today s Belclare sheep have originated. Today s Belclare The Belclare sheep that are found on Irish farms today are very different sheep from their ancestors that started the breed almost 40 years ago. Infusions of Texel blood coupled with rigorous selection and culling by dedicated Belclare breeders resulted in the specimens that are seen on farms nowadays. This has allowed the Belclare not only to command the premier position as a maternal sire but also allows it to compete with terminal sire breeds as a breed that is able to sire rapidly growing fleshy lambs. 11

14 Knockcroghery Flock Est National Champions Senior Ram 1 st Shearling Ram 1 st Ram Lamb 1 st Senior Ewe 1 st Shearling Ewe 1 st Ewe Lamb 1 st Overall Champion: Ewe Lamb Res. Overall Champion: Ram Lamb Premier Sale Overall Champion on 5 occasions 2004, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Flock Code: MY The Home of Champions 2012 National Championship Senior Ram 2nd Shearling Ram 1st Ram Lamb 1st Shearling Ewe 1st, 2nd and 3rd Ewe Lamb 1st and 2nd Overall champion Shearling Ewe Tullamore Show Overall Champion 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010 Reserve Champion 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012 Female of the year 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010 and Premier Sale Champion Double Overall National Champion 2011 and MY Enquiries welcome Declan and Joe Miley, Ballyglass, Knockcroghery Co Roscommon tel.: knockcrogherypedigrees@gmail.com 2012 Premier Sale Champion

15 Ring of Kerry Quality Lamb Putting the power back in the farmers hands By Denis Carroll, Ring of Kerry Quality Lamb Group In 2009, borne out of frustration because of poor prices and quality a group of 27 farmers got together in Kerry to try and improve the prices that they would achieve for their lamb while at the same time guaranteeing the consumer a positive taste experience each and every time that they purchased lamb meat. That was 2009 and since then a lot of water has passed under the bridge and now in their fifth year the group are still going strong. It s a nice idea but it will never work is the comment that group members were frequently told. Now in 2013 with a throughput of around 70 lambs a week the group haven t taken over the world, but they have made their mark in what is arguably one of the toughest industries in the world. We target discerning customers, those who value quality and an eating experience that is second to none. For this they pay a premium price and for us to keep our customers we need to ensure that this premium eating experience is achieved every single time explains Denis Carroll. The phyliosphy is simple, if the product is wrong (underfleshed, overweight, too fat or has lamb taint) then the farmer who produced the lamb gets it back, vac-packed and 13

16 delivered to his/her door. This has focused the mind allowing us to achieve a level of quality that is second to none. Having worked closely with both Teagasc and Bord Bia, the group has a strict set of ground rules that ensures that all lambs destined for the group are top quality. Training days in terms of selecting the ideal lambs for slaughter and weekly feedback regarding the quality of each weeks kill keeps the members in tune with how their lambs are killing out and the quality of the carcase. The group also use the discussion group process to keep updated in terms of issues such as feeding strategies for both ewes and lambs, breeding programmes and ram selection. Ensuring that all group members use top quality rams is essential to the profitability of the group explains Denis Carroll. I can show you lambs that kill 19kg carcase but because they have superior conformation will yield more saleable meat than lambs that kill 21kg. What we want are sheep that are well conformed, length is our number one priority the rack and centre loin are the most valuable part of the lamb. After that we want a good dept in the hind leg and plenty of width at the shoulders. It does not matter what breed the rams are, what is important is that they are good quality and by that I mean well conformed says Denis. Many of our members use Belclare rams to produce prolific flock replacements, we find these make excellent mothers, but what s more the ram lambs produced from these Belclare rams are on par with terminal sired rams where care is taken in selecting a Belclare ram that has good conformation. Established 1995 Prize winning flock Large Flock 50 ewes Current record holder for highest priced lambs ever sold at the premier sale 2004 where we sold a lamb for E2,100 Flock Code WD Very well located in the centre of Ireland Participant in Sheep Ireland, lamb Plus breed improvement programme Male & Females always for sale Enquiries & Visitors Welcome Liam and Eoin Dunne, Gurteen, Tubber, Moate, Co. Offaly Mob: Tel:

17 Mullinahone, Co.Tipperary Phone Fax Sheep Identification New from Mullinahone Co-op, Smaller, Lighter Electronic & Visual Tags with improved rotation and airflow. Electronic Tag Set Mart Tag Right Ear Left Ear Slaughter Tag Slaughter & Mart Tag Electronic Tag Reader Eurotags, Mullinahone Co-op, Co.Tipperary 15

18 Minced Lamb with Pak Choy and Chillies Ingredients 500g lean lamb mince 1 tablesp. oil 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 4cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped 2 heads of pak choy 300g fine straight to wok noodles 4 tablesp. soy sauce 1 tablesp. brown sugar Rind and juice of 1 lime 4 scallions, thinly sliced Handful of basil leaves Method Heat a wok and add a little oil. Stir-fry half the lamb until browned. Remove to a plate then stir-fry the remaining lamb and remove. Add the garlic, chillies and ginger and cook for a minute. Return the lamb to the wok and stir through for a couple of minutes to reheat. Recipe courtesy of Bord Bía This all-in-one dish is full of flavour. Serves: 4 Time: 15 minutes Recipe courtesy of Bord Bia Cut the pak choy across the stem and leaves into thin slices. Then add into the wok along with the noodles. Combine well and continue to cook until the pak choy just wilts. Stir through the soy sauce, brown sugar and lime rind and juice. Remove from the heat and add in the scallions and basil. Serve with crusty bread and green salad. Nutritional Analysis Per serving: Energy: 531 kcal Protein: 33 g Fat: 21 g Iron: 3.6 mg Carbohydrate: 89 g 16

19 Belclare SHEEP SOCIETY Membership Application Form Name: Address: Tel: Mobile: I (insert name) wish to apply for membership to the Belclare Sheep Society. I agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the society and agree to pay E joining fee. I understand that I need to possess at least three pure bred registered Belclare Ewes to become a member of the Belclare sheep society Signed Date: Pedigree identifiers of Belclare ewes currently in flock (min 3) Post Completed application form with membership fees to: Mr. Michael Neenan, Killflynn, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Tel:

20 18 Replacement Policy and Management by Michael McHugh On average 20% of the ewe flock is replaced annually.replacement cost is a substantial cost in sheep production and from the current e Profit Monitor (Table 1) the average replacement cost is estimated at 16 per ewe. However, there is a huge variation between farms. Table 1. e-profit Monitor replacement costs Replacement cost per ewe Top 1/3 Average Bottom 1/3 E6.50 E17 E26 Improving flock performance The output and the genetic potential of a ewe flock can be improved with a breeding and replacement policy that selects only high performance replacements. An output of 1.4/1.5 lambs per ewe to the ram can be achieved with good management but to increase the output above 1.5 lambs per ewe, a replacement policy using prolific maternal sires and good flock management is required. At an annual replacement rate of 20%, it will take 6/7 years to introduce maternal bloodlines into the whole flock. Thus, after a six year targeted breeding programme the flock will have the genetic potential to produce 30 more lambs weaned for every 100 ewes put to the ram. Research at Teagasc and AFBI, Northern Ireland has shown that the Belclare breed can increase lambing percentage without compromising on growth or other important production traits. In a closed flock, with a weaning rate of 1.3 lambs per ewe to the ram, the 20% replacement rate will be achieved by mating 40% of the flock to a maternal sire and the remaining 60% to a terminal sire. Table 2 below shows that the proportion of the flock required for replacements decreases as the weaning percentage increases. Table 2 Influence of number lambs reared per ewe joined on the percentage of ewes required to produce flock replacements Number of lambs reared per ewe Percentage of ewes required joined to produce ewe replacements Replacement Options. Sheep farmers have a number of options to acquire flock replacements including: (a) Purchasing ewe hoggets at 18 months of age. (b) Rearing or purchasing ewe lambs and mating at 18 months of age (Dry Hoggets). (c) Breeding ewe lambs in their first season.

21 Estimates of the costs associated with each of the 3 systems are set out in Table 3. Table 3. Replacement Costs. (a)hogget Purchased (b)dry Hogget (c)ewe Lamb Mated Ewe lamb value E92 E110 Purchase value of hogget E160 Feed Costs E38 E62 Veterinary & other Costs E5 E7 E15 Total Costs E165 E137 E187 Cull ewe and lamb value E72 E 72 E 154 Nett Replacement Cost E93 E 65 E 33 Annual replacement cost /ewe E18.60 E13 E6.60 Advantages and disadvantages The advantage and disadvantages of the different options are outlined below. Purchasing hogget replacements. Advantages: All lambs are from mature ewes (2+ years) and more lambs are sold per ewe kept with tighter drafting. Simplifies flock management and allows the flock owner to concentrate on producing lambs for slaughter with terminal sires. The flock managed as one unit makes grassland and flock management easier. Suitable system for smaller or medium sized flocks; in these flocks small sub flocks make grassland and general flock management more difficult. Disadvantages: Huge disease and bio security risk unless they come from a reliable source. Flock owner has no control of selecting animals with improved genetics for increasing output and flock health. High annual capital outlay on purchasing replacements. Dry Hoggets. Advantages: Both a low labour and low cost system. All lambs are from mature ewes resulting in higher growth rates and more compact lamb drafting. Allows later born or light ewe lambs (e.g. lambs from hill breeds) to grow and reach target weights for mating at 18 months. In closed flocks, facilitates selection of replacements with good maternal traits at weaning. Dry hoggets can be used to maintain grass quality for the lambed ewe flock.

22 Disadvantages: Lower life time performance when run as dry hoggets in first season. Lighter lambs may be selected as replacements. Research shows that slow growing animals that are under nourished pre weaning are less prolific during their productive life time. Less lambs sold as 20% of the flock is not bred. Breeding ewe lambs. Advantages: Ewe s lifetime production is increased by up to 20%. Hoggets are easier to manage in the second year. Allows for faster genetic gain when selecting within a closed flock. It increases profits by reducing replacement costs. Disadvantages: Higher labour especially at lambing. Extended lambing period. Lower lamb output from ewe lambs. Must be managed as a separate flock. Not achieving live weight targets can result in lower lambing % in the second season and fewer lambs over the ewe s lifetime. Target body weight A target ewe lambing mating weight should be 60% of mature body weight for that breed type and these are summarised in Table 4 for some breeds. Target ewe lamb mating weight and mature ewe body weight. 20 Breed Mature Body Weight (kg) Weight at mating as ewe lamb (kg) Lleyn Mule/Greyface/ Belclare cross Suffolk/Continental cross Mating management: Farmers planning to breed ewe lambs should introduce fertile ram(s) to the ewe lambs 2 weeks after ram introduction to the mature ewe flock. Ideally, introduce teaser rams 17 days before entire rams. The teasers will induce oestrus so more ewe lambs will mate in the first 17days after fertile rams are put in. It is advisable to mate ewe lambs separately and use one mature ram per 25 ewe lambs. Use easy lambing breeds or select rams with high easy lambing breeding values (Lambplus performance records). Limit the breeding period to 35 days. The lower ovulation rates and higher embryo mortality in ewe lambs compared to mature ewes will result in up to 20% of ewe lambs not going in lamb. The target litter size for ewe lambs going in lamb is thus giving an expected weaning rate of.8 to 1 lamb per ewe lamb mated.

23 Pregnancy management Maintain ewe lambs on a high plane of nutrition (good quality autumn grass) during and for a month post mating. In the second and third month of pregnancy a diet from winter grazing or good quality silage is sufficient to give a weight gain of.6 kg per week. Scan at 80 days from ram turn out and base the feeding programme on litter size for the last eight weeks of pregnancy. Feed meals to singles bearing ewe lambs from 8 weeks pre lambing at the rate of.25 kg/day. Concentrate levels should be increased to.5 kg/day for twin bearing ewe lambs. Handle frequently to check on body condition score and adjust feed levels accordingly. Post lambing management Ewe lambs (now suckled hoggets) should be managed separately after turn out in spring and fed.5kg of concentrates daily for a few weeks post turn out. Introduce creep feed to their lambs from turnout and feed 300 gm per head daily up to weaning. Wean when lambs are 12/13 weeks of age. This will allow weaned hoggets regain body condition and achieve a target body weight of 80% of mature body weight (65 kg) at second mating. Increasing the group size by mixing hoggets with triplet rearing ewes will facilitate better grassland management. Legeaune Lambs Flock Pedigree Belclare Sheep Enquiries & Visitors Welcome Tom Flanagan Ballyroe, Kilconly, Tuam, Co. Galway Tel: Mob: Numerous prize winners including 2006 reserve champion at our premier sale in Kilkenny Interbreed championship at Mountbellow Agricultural Show for the last two years Hogget and ram lambs for sale at home and at society sales 21

24 Greek-style Lamb Kebabs This all-in-one dish is full of flavour. Serves: 4 Time: 15 minutes Ingredients 750g lamb, leg or new season shoulder, well trimmed and cubed Olive oil 1 red and 1 green pepper, cut into chunks 1 red onion, cut into wedges Salt and freshly-ground black pepper Marinade 250mls Greek-style natural yoghurt 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 teasp. ground cumin 1 teasp. ground coriander Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon Mint and Garlic Yoghurt Dressing 185mls Greek-style natural yoghurt 1 tablesp. fresh coriander, chopped 1 tablesp. fresh mint, chopped Grated rind of 1 lemon 2 garlic cloves, crushed Recipe courtesy of Bord Bía Method Combine the marinade ingredients in a large non-metallic dish. Add the diced lamb and stir to coat well, then cover and place in the fridge for about 2 hours if possible. Meanwhile soak 8 wooden skewers in water. This will prevent them scorching. If you are short of time use metal skewers. Preheat your barbecue or grill to high and brush lightly with oil. Thread the lamb cubes, peppers and red onion onto the skewers, season and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly charred and cooked to your taste. To make the Mint and Garlic Yoghurt Dressing, stir together all the ingredients and season to taste. Drizzle a little dressing over each lamb skewer and serve the rest on the side. Nutritional Analysis Protein: 50 g Carbohydrates: 62 g Fat: 30 g Iron: 3 mg Energy: 693 kcal 22

25 The Young Shepherd Spot 6 differences WORD SEARCH M Y D N C T S R F E K Y U C Q C H I R W J V C E A Q J P I B Y P E I E W T R X X S D X F J Z V N A X H G S M W P B J I Y E S J B L I P N Y R T C C L L S Y P L D T B E O M L Y L O L M R U E J H H F H J O W T R A A K P Y L K I Y S S S Z K P M R A S M C T E R A L C L E B B H A W L A M B I N G S M N X S E S A B U Q F S K A N E R F Q S D L A D T X N N O I W W Y N P E Y K L I M A C M J R I E H S V P P S F L J Y G M C C Y J T T M M L S P M X H K R R Y P Find these words: BELCLARE EASY EWES HEALTHY LAMBING LAMBS MILKY PEDIGREE PROFITABLE PROLIFIC RAMS SHEPHERD TWINS 23

26 Big labour savings in Tracesure bolused flock We bolused our lambs at weaning and we found we saved a lot in labour as we had always to repeat dose with drenches in the past. Last August we also bolused our younger ewes six weeks pre-tupping and they scanned much better than in previous years. We will be using Tracesure long acting boluses right across the flock this year. James Naper, Lough Crew, Oldcastle, County Meath Visit or telephone Rory Dicker (ROI) Flor Ryan (ROI) Neill Acheson (NI) Top stockmen make sure with Tracesure

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28 Breed Characteristics The Belclare is a relatively new breed developed to raise the prolificacy of the Irish sheep population. The breed was formed by bringing together into one population, flocks (developed by Teagasc) with proven ability for producing a high litter size under intensive sheep production conditions. Belclare Sheep Characteristics They are polled, white in colour with a good fleece, very sound feet and minimum mastitis problems. Ewes are docile, have excellent mothering ability with a minimum of lambing difficulty and are capable of rearing three lambs if given adequate feed during lactation. Daughters of your own ewe flock, sired by a Belclare ram are capable of increasing lambing rates by up to 30%. For lowland flocks the national average is 1.28 lambs weaned per ewe joined with rams. Research shows the only real way of substantially increasing income from sheep farming is by increasing the number of lambs sold per ewe joined. Lambs Reared/100 Ewes Joined Effect of replacement policy on flock productivity over a 10-year period Use Belclare ram to sire flock replacements Year Only keep ewes born as multiples Farmers Journal reports and articles consistently show that flocks, scanning 1.8 to 2.0 and upwards have Belclare crosses. Lamb carcase quality is excellent; they have had many competition successes, including Supreme Champion R.D.S. Belclare cross lambs obtain bonus payments in the factories, and are sought after by butchers at heavier weights as they do not become overfat. Worm Scrapie resistance Belclare sheep are amongst the group, showing considerable resistance to worms and scrapie. 26

29 REPS Extensification Nitrates Directive Belclare prolificacy helps overcome stocking density restrictions as the increased number of lambs reared does not increase the livestock units counted. They are also ideal for the early weaning system as the Belclare cross ewe is capable of rearing the extra lambs to that stage. Breed Improvements The breed have since the mid 1990 s have had an across the breed improvement programme. This means that every registered sheep in the breed has been performance recorded which again differentiates the Belclare sheep from all other breeds. Today all registered Belclare sheep are fully recorded with Sheep Ireland. To my mind the growth rates, sales pattern and carcass quality of these lambs indicate that prolific Belclare cross ewes can produce quality as well as quantity. Think about it when planning your breeding programme. Tom Egan, Teagasc specialist. At Present, sheep are a profitable enterprise excluding premia. The same cannot be said for beef, tillage and even dairy milk price is heavily supported. Pat Clarke, Teagasc specialist. Belclare s Shine in Sheep Research Belclare sheep are now widely used in Ireland so much that certain UK research centres have already started evaluating the breeds superb maternal traits - but don t believe us see what the experts have to say. Belclares in Northern Ireland Belclare rams are responsible for producing more kilograms of meat from your ewe flock!!! Dr Annett said Belcares (a composite breed developed in the west of Ireland) had performed well in trials. Ewes put to Belclare rams produced more kilos of lamb per ewe and grades were higher than in lambs sired by Lleyn, NZ Romney and NZ Highland rams. Source; Farmers Guardian, 6 th March BELCLARE 1 Belclare rams are easy lambing reducing labour and resulting in more live lambs for sale!!! Sire selection The choice of ram breed is a key factor influencing ease of lambing and hence labour input at lambing time. Research at AFBI has shown that using a maternal breed sire such as the Lleyn 27

30 or Belclare can reduce intervention rates at lambing, with 10-20% of ewes requiring assistance compared with 25-35% of ewes lambing down to Suffolk and Texel rams. Source: Dr. Ronald Annett AFBI, Hillsborough - Farm walks to highlight breeding options for easier-care sheep 2007 Belclare rams produce ewes that are more profitable!!! Teagasc research on maternal breed comparison clearly demonstrates that when it comes to litter size the Belclare is definitively the best. Breed of Sire of Ewe Litter Size Belclare 2.00 Bluefaced Leicester 1.85 Suffolk 1.80 Bleue du Maine 1.80 Vendeen 1.76 Texel 1.70 Border Leicester 1.70 Charollais 1.70 Rouge de l Quest 1.60 Hanrahan Research shows that Belclare ewes and Belclare rams produce more kg s of meat from your ewe flock

31 1st prize Senior Ram & Reserve Overall Champion at Belclare National Championships 2012 Contact Details PJ & Mary Jo O Dea, Esker, Athenry, Co. Galway Telephone: Mobile: O Dea s, Esker Pedigrees Belclare Flock Established One of the Founding Flocks of the Breed. Multiple winners of the Champion Ram at Kilkenny Premier Sale, Belclare All Ireland Champion winners 2005 & 2006 Characteristics High live weight gain Constantly producing twins The only real way of substantially increasing income from sheep farming is by increasing the number of lambs sold per ewe. Belclares are the breed to increase your lamb numbers and help you benefit from the increase in sheep values The Delaney Flock of Belclare Sheep Established 1992 Over 50 breeding females with a large selection of rams to choose from Contact: Liam Delaney Coolgarragh Ballylinan Co. Laois Star Rating - Sheep Ireland High index, quality sheep prolific flock 29

32 MOATLAND FLOCK Of Pedigree Belclare Lamb plus Recorded Breed the best, to the best, and you ll get the best. Established 2012 from some of the top flocks in the country. Crossbred and Pedigree Stock for sale. Contact: Roy Butler, Moatland,Streete Village, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel:

33 Slanemore Hill Flock Est Premier Sale Champion Our current stock ram Large selection of pedigree ram lambs from prize winning stock. Belclare cross hogget ewes and ewe lambs available also. Eunan & Mark Bannon Phone: or

34 32 Belclare Sheep Society Members Reginald Annette 106 Carginagh Road, Kilkeel, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, BT34 4QA Eunan Bannon, Slanemore Hill, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Larry Barrett Kilmeany, Carlow Roy Butler Moatland, Streete, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Martin Cosgrave Glenteige, Edermine, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Jonathan Crozier The Glebe, Clara, Co. Offaly Barry Cunningham Togher, Tuam, Co. Galway Liam Delaney Coolgarragh, Ballylinan, Athy, Co. Laois Peter Doyle Farnans, Wolfhill, Athy, Co. Kildare Michael Dunbar Gurteen, Bunclody, Co. Wexford Liam Dunne Gurteen, Tubber, Moate, Co. Offaly Tom Flanagan Ballyroe, Kilconly, Tuam, Co. Galway George Gahan Tomasock, Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow Pat & Allison Gogan The Leick Fruit Farm, Donore, Co. Meath Michael Gottstein Dungeel, Killorglin, Co. Kerry Sony Jennings Ballyglunin, Tuam, Co. Galway Mary Kelly Chester Hse, Clonmannon, Ashford, Co. Wicklow Ernest Mackey Ballinclea, Donard, Co. Wicklow Declan & Joe Miley Ballyglass, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Michael Neenan Dromakee, Kilflynn, Tralee, Co. Kerry P.J & Mary Jo O Dea Esker, Athenry, Co. Galway John Renehan Violet Hill, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny Tom Sice Boyhill, Athenry, Co. Galway John Somers Bolaney, Hollyfort, Gorey, Co. Wexford Paul Smyth Aharny, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Brian Ward Kidlawn, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon Brian White Dermotstown, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

35 RAFOXANIDE 5% w/v FENBENDAZOLE 5% w/v ORAL FLUKE AND WORM DRENCH FOR SHEEP Effective Control of Immature & Mature Fluke Controls Tapeworms, Lungworms (Hoose), Stomach Worms in cattle & sheep including Nematodirus in Sheep Controls immature and Mature Liver Fluke No known Resistance Low Volume: Only 9ml per 60kg Available from Animal Health Outlets Nationwide Tel:

36 Belclare SHEEP SOCIETY List of Belclare Sales in 2013 iv Kilkenny Premier Sale Sheep Ireland Sale (Tullamore) National Sheep Breeders (Roscrea) Fermoy Sale National Sheep Breeders (Blessington) Tullamore Athenry Sale Roscommon Sale Kilkenny Sale Carnaross Sale 6 th August 24 th August 28 th August 9 th September 14 th September 18 th September 23 rd September 28 th September 30 th September 1 st October Society Contact Details Enquiries: Mr. Michael Neenan, Killflynn, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Tel: Design & Print by Browne Printers Ltd