Body condition scoring (BCS) is a valuable management tool helping ensure the sheep flock is as productive and profitable as possible. There are key times in the production calendar when BCS is particularly important in assessing the energy reserves of individual sheep; at mating, mid and late pregnancy and at lambing. It allows us to make nutritional adjustments for lean and over fit ewes which will have a positive effect on both their health and productivity.
|
Target Condition Scores |
Lowland ewes |
Hill ewes |
|
Mating |
3.0 – 3.5 |
2.5 – 3.0 |
|
Lambing |
2.5 – 3.0 |
2.0 – 2.5 |
Combining BCS with metabolic profiling allows us to tailor the needs of the flock even further. Once again ensuring that what we think is being fed and what is actually being fed is one in the same.
It also allows us to pick up on disease issues at an early stage and double check trace element levels. Trace elements are often fed in extremes, either in excess or not enough – both scenarios are problematic.
If either of these services are of interest, please call us to discuss your individual situation.