Flock fertility: Getting ewes ready for tupping and selecting suitable rams

Adrian Coombe from Dupath Farm joined AHDB’s Farm Excellence project as a Beef and Lamb Strategic Farmer in 2019. Located in Cornwall, Adrian runs a flock of 600 North Country mules alongside 180 beef cattle each year.

Ewe fertility is one of the main drivers underlying the output of a sheep flock. Optimising fertility increases the number of lambs scanned and born, which in turn drives flock profitability. However, fertility can be affected by many variables - fortunately some are within our control such as ewe body condition, flock health and genetics.

One of Adrian’s focus areas when joining the Farm Excellence programme was to get his two-tooths back into condition to ensure a successful second breeding year after lambing as ewe lambs.

Adrian also became a RamCompare project farm in 2017, contributing lamb performance data to improve the genetic evaluation of performance recorded rams. We’ll share the results of the six-year project thus far and what they suggest when it comes to purchasing the best new terminal sire breeds.

This event is aimed at sheep farmers and will include practical demonstrations, weather permitting, and discussion on topics such as:

• Ram health and fertility – ensuring rams are fit for purpose
• Understanding how Estimated Breeding Values can aid ram selection decisions
• Assessing health and condition of ewes to maximise flock fertility for future breeding seasons

We’ll be joined by Miranda Macinnes, Veterinary Surgeon at Calweton Veterinary Group; Matt Blyth, Independent Advisor from Blyth Livestock Advisory Services (BLAS); and Sam Boon, Signet Manager at AHDB. 

Refreshments and a light supper will be provided so please advise us of any special dietary requirements.

Book now, don’t miss this interactive RamCompare event with a Strategic Farm focus. We look forward to seeing you there! You can register for your free place by booking online, emailing KE.events@ahdb.org.uk or calling 01904 771218. Attendees must be over 16 years of age and suitable footwear must be worn.

For more information about the farm visit, https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/dupath-farm