As we approach the 2025 mating season, it’s encouraging to see many ewes rebounding well after what has been a dry spring. However, we must remain mindful of the potential impacts of the autumn season. It is important to review and plan for fly, facial eczema (FE), and parasite control in your hoggets and 2th ewes. We are here to assist and are only a phone call away should you need any support.
To kickstart the season, please find enclosed a scanning booking form for 2025. We’d like to confirm your scanning appointment as soon as possible.
Recap of 2024 Scanning Results:
- Mature Ewes (MA): There was a slight dip in the number of lambs scanned, but an improvement in the dry rate, with the region’s average sitting at 168.7% and a dry rate of 3.4%.
- 2th Ewes: Performance showed a decline, with an increased dry rate compared to the previous year, scanning at 153.4% with a 5.2% dry rate.
While we can’t predict the future, we know that many factors, including conditions once the ram is introduced, can influence scanning results. It’s essential to plan for all scenarios and prepare to control what we can.
Key Considerations for 2025:
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Facial Eczema: We’re starting to see facial eczema risk increase, so prior to ram introduction, we recommend checking spore counts on farm. If overnight temperatures exceed 12°C for consecutive nights, conditions will be ideal for spore growth. The warm, wet weather and dead matter in the sward will contribute to spore development.
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Fly and Parasite Control: Make sure your MA ewes, 2th, and hoggets are fully protected against fly strike and potential worm challenges before introducing the ram.
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Body Condition Scoring: If feed quality is a concern, consider body condition scoring your ewes before mating. This will help ensure that they are in optimal condition. Maintaining feed quality and levels for the 10 days before and after ram introduction is essential, especially during the golden period if you are using teaser rams.
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Feed Management: Ewes should not lose condition or weight during mating. Ensure they are adequately fed during the critical period around ram introduction.
Our Service:
We remain committed to providing excellent service throughout the 2025 season. Our team offers clear communication, experienced operators, and modern scanning equipment. As part of our service, we also provide free faecal egg counts per mob and veterinary support should you have any questions regarding your scanning results.
A Few Additional Points:
- The ram joining date (or an estimate) is the most important date for us when booking scanning. Please ensure we have this information on the booking form.
- If you are happy to scan on weekends, kindly indicate this on the booking form.
- On scanning day, please ensure you have enough staff available (ideally 3 people behind the sheep before we arrive).
- Ensure that the sheep are properly emptied out for the most accurate results. They should be off grass for 12 hours prior to scanning. Also, if your ewes are 1-3 weeks off shears, the accuracy may be impacted due to dry skin grease.
- Click here to book online
