Cutting the costs of lameness on sheep farms

Lameness is a common and persistent problem in sheep flocks which has a negative impact on lamb growth rates, ewe fertility and longevity.

It has been estimated that the cost of lameness can range anywhere between £4/ewe up to £14/ewe depending on the severity of the problem. It is also a serious health and welfare issue causing pain and discomfort. 

To help farmers address this issue, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) have organised a series of eight on-farm events across the province.  The events are spread across all counties to allow as many sheep farmers as possible to attend these informative events. 

The events will also focus on key autumn flock management decisions. Many of these are more complicated and challenging this year given the very difficult weather conditions farmers have faced over the past two months.

The events will feature various speakers including:

• The host farmers giving an overview of their flock performance and management, steps taken to control and reduce ewe and lamb lameness and the steps that they are currently taking to maintain stock performance during challenging weather conditions.
• Dr Jason Barley from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) will cover the diagnosis, treatment and control of lameness in the sheep flock.
• CAFRE Beef and Sheep advisers will cover costs associated with lameness and discuss key flock management decision that need to be taken during the autumn period.

The first of the events will be held at:

• Crosby Cleland’s farm, 21 Greens Road, Saintfield, BT24 7EE on Tuesday 22 August at 7.30pm
• David and Alexander Boyd’s farm, 15 Slievetrue Road, Knockagh, Newtownabbey, BT365BS on Thursday 24 August at 7.30pm

Further details of the six remaining events are available on the CAFRE website.

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