FARMERS are being encouraged to not overlook the critical role of trace elements when considering ewe nutrition in the run-up to lambing .

According to Neil Ashwell , head of agriculture at Brinicombe Agri , while only needed in small quantities , essential trace elements play a fundamental role in supporting good foetal development , an easier lambing , improved lamb vigour at birth and the production of high-quality colostrum .

“ Lambing can be a stressful time for both the ewe and lamb and close attention to nutrition will pay dividends , helping to reduce the risk of problems . This means not only meeting the ewe ’ s requirement for major nutrients , such as protein and energy , but also supporting a good trace element status ,” he says .

Encouraging an easier lambing

“ One way to reduce the number of ewes needing assistance at birth is to encourage a wetter lambing . This involves the production of healthy mucous membranes , which act as a natural lubricant , and can be stimulated through the supplementation of vitamin A .”

Mr Ashwell adds that selenium is also a key trace element of importance . “ Selenium works alongside vitamin E to trigger the utilisation of brown fat reserves in the lamb . This initiates the shivering mechanism which encourages the lambs to suck , giving them more ‘ get up and go ’.”

( L-R ) Neil Ashwell & Richard Northey

Stimulating colostrum production

While getting the lamb up and sucking quickly to ensure sufficient colostrum intake within the first seven hours of life is key , Mr Ashwell highlights the importance of colostrum quality in achieving adequate protection .

“ High quality colostrum will provide lambs with a good dose of maternally derived antibodies which is crucial for fighting disease and infection in their first few weeks of life . The developing immune system of the lamb can be further strengthened through the transfer of selenium and vitamin E via the colostrum .”

In addition to micronutrients , providing the ewe with extra protein and energy is vital to stimulate the production of sufficient volumes of good quality colostrum . But for the best results , enhanced nutrition needs to be offered ahead of the lambing period .

Mr Ashwell says that the introduction of nutritional buckets up to eight weeks ahead of lambing is a good way to meet the heightened demand for major nutrients .

FOLLOWING on from its success in 2021 , the National Sheep Association ( NSA )’ s series of Breakfast Club webinars is returning for the new year with speakers looking forward to sharing useful and up to date information with sheep farmers and other interested parties throughout 2022 .

Providing sponsorship to assist in the delivery of the Breakfast Club sessions this year is long-standing NSA supporter Roythornes . Roythornes is one of the top agricultural law practices in the country , providing practical and targeted advice on wide-ranging agricultural policy and legislative changes . Roythornes also provide free legal advice * to NSA members as one of the benefits of NSA membership subscription .

Mark Dodds

Mark Dodds , Marketing Manager at Roythornes , comments : “ We ’ re delighted to be sponsoring the NSA Breakfast Club webinars as they are clearly valued by

Phil Hadley

members of the NSA and provide an invaluable source of information in a sometimes-complicated world . As a firm , we have always had a very close affinity with farming and agriculture , and the sponsorship enables us to support those who are working hard in challenging times .”

The first NSA Breakfast Club of the year was on the 12th January asking ‘ Who will eat UK sheep meat in 2022 ?’ The session , a review of current overseas work to promote UK sheep meat products , featured speakers Dr Phil Hadley , AHDB International Market Development Director and David Swales , AHDB Head of Strategic Insight , with Alistair Sneddon , NSA English Committee member and Senior Partner at Bagshaws , chairing the discussion .

Having taken place at 8.30am on the first Wednesday of every month last year the first Breakfast Clubs of 2022 will

Alastair Sneddon

also follow this pattern but will take a break during the peak of lambing time in the UK and will also accommodate the return of popular NSA events this summer including NSA Scot Sheep event on Wednesday 1st June , Dundee and the flagship event of the Association , NSA Sheep Event on Wednesday 27th July , Worcestershire . The second session of the year took place on Wednesday 2nd February and discussed how the industry could serve the international demand for UK sheep genetics . To find out more about the free online events and register to attend please visit the NSA website .

The NSA Breakfast Club webinars became a valued source of information for many farmers and those working in the allied industries during 2021 . All previous webinars are available to watch again by visiting www . nationalsheep . org . uk / webinars .