FOCUS ON
SHEEP Issue 11
Sheep Market outlook Breeding flock numbers have increased by 2%, resulting in the largest breeding flock since 2006, lamb numbers (under 1 year old) are also at their highest level, 17.2 million since 2005. Looking ahead to 2018, the lamb crop is expected to remain strong, this is likely to increase production when combined with held over store lambs. Lamb slaughterings have remained high, with a greater proportion of old seasons lamb versus new seasons. Industry reports suggest many of the store lambs sold are lighter and require more finishing. Looking into 2018, exports are forecast to remain strong especially if sterling remains at this historically weaker level. The forecast increase in production will support higher availability of goods for export. Sheep meat imports have been lower due to the strength of the New Zealand Dollar and the continued focus on other markets such as, China, Middle East and USA. There is also still a great deal of uncertainty around the impact of Brexit on the UK sheep industry. Producers need to look at the rise in production coupled with declining domestic consumption which will result in the industry having to adapt and grow export market opportunities. With potential for increased pressure on the sheep industry it will be critical to ensure lambs grow as efficiently as possible and meet market specifications. This will be even more important if we look to increase exports in order to deliver a higher value profitable product in a post Brexit environment. Breeding flock numbers
In this issue: Ewe nutrition
2
Ewbol ewe feeds
3
Ewbol lamb feeds
4
Making the most of silage Silage quality in 2017 has been extremely variable across the UK depending on time of harvest. Silage stocks are also proving challenging for some farmers. The key nutritional considerations for this years silage are: - higher dry matter - lower energy - higher protein - higher fibre (NDF) The main silage focus area for sheep farmers this season will be energy, this is a key nutrient pre and post-lambing. Energy is required for good lamb development, milk production and lamb growth. Energy demand is greatest in the last 6 weeks pre-lambing, to ensure no shortfall best quality silage should be kept for this period or additional supplementary feeding considered. Higher dry matter and fibre levels seen in this year’s silages may also limit intakes pre-lambing, careful attention is required to minimise the risk of ewe health issues, such as twin lamb disease. Big differences in silage quality can be seen from the top and bottom 25% results in the table below. Understanding your silage quality will allow you to put together the most cost effective feeding plan. You can choose a concentrate with the most appropriate energy and protein level and also target feed in late pregnancy. Silage analysis is a quick and simple process that gives you a better understanding of silage quality, make sure this is something you consider this season. Silage analysis results 2017
Source: Defra, AHDB
2016 Average
2017 Average
2017 Bottom 25%
Dry Matter (%)
46.7
48.7
53.6
46.5
Protein (%DM)
12.2
12.3
9.57
10.60
Energy (MJ/Kg DM)
10.19
10.08
11.2
13.5
NDF (%DM)
53.9
54.9
60.8
49.5
Source: ForFarmers
2017 Top 25%