OviCast

Damian Costello joins us to discuss key sheep management priorities for February as farms gear up for lambing. We cover grassland management and planning for early nitrogen applications when conditions allow, along with the importance of getting ewe nutrition right in late pregnancy, including practical feeding tips. We also discuss flock health, with a focus on lameness with advice on preparing supplies ahead of the lambing season. Damian reminds farmers about the sheep census deadline, and finishes by highlighting the upcoming Teagasc National Hill Sheep Conference For more tips and information visit: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/managing-your-sheep-farm-through-february/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Advisor, Edward Egan, joins us on this week's OviCast to explain about how to make the most of scanning results. Edward shares insights from over a decade of working with farmer discussion groups to help them use their scanning data more effectively to monitor flock performance. He discusses both the short-term actions that can improve outcomes immediately, and the long-term management changes that can enhance flock efficiency and productivity over time. We also explore some of the trends and patterns Edward has observed throughout the years. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this special joint podcast on bluetongue with Catherine Egan from the Beef Edge and Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge, we’re joined by vet John Donlon to get an insight into bluetongue. Primarily transmitted via biting midges, the cases on farms in Northern Ireland significantly reinforces the need for awareness on farms in the Republic of Ireland. Early action, identification and isolation will be key in reducing the potential for further virus spread. Temperature is a major factor in the transmission of bluetongue. The typical transmission period usually runs from late spring to early autumn, especially during the summer months. During the winter, the risk of disease spread is much lower. Bluetongue is associated with many symptoms. Typically, in affected cattle and sheep, the main symptoms may include: fever and loss of appetite; drop in milk yield (dairy cows); reddening of mucous membranes; sores on the nose, gums or dental pads; swelling of the face, lips or tongue (‘blue tongue’); breathing difficulties, drooling or nasal/eye discharge; lameness due to inflammation at the top of the hoof; abortion or foetal deformities; and, in severe cases, infection can result in death. For further info: Teagasc urges vigilance on bluetongue - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, meaning anyone who suspects an animal may have the disease is legally obliged to notify DAFM without delay. To report a suspected case of Bluetongue virus to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), you should immediately contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) or the National Disease Emergency Hotline. Contact details:· During office hours (9 am - 5 pm): Contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO)· Outside office hours (operational 365 days a year): Ring the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 492 8026 For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to explore key grazing management tips for the weeks ahead. Nikki discusses end-of-season grazing management, including closing targets and best practices for managing forage crops. As the grazing season draws to a close, we look at reviewing field grazing performance on your own farm and identify areas for improvement. We also consider some key investments that could help boost productivity in the year ahead. Sign up to the Grass10 newsletter here:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us this week to discuss the essential elements of successfully finishing lambs indoors. Michael covers everything from housing and management basics to nutrition and animal health, highlighting the practical steps farmers can take to avoid costly setbacks. The episode wraps up with guidance on the importance of regular drafting to maintain performance and efficiency. For more information, check out the Lamb Finishing Guide: https://bit.ly/lamb_finishing_guide For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc advisor, Tom Coll, is on this week’s OviCast with some practical management tips as the breeding season draws to a close. Tom highlights the importance of ram management at this stage — from identifying repeats to dealing with injured or lame rams. We also chat about why it’s a good idea to group ewes in the latter half of the breeding period and the benefits of having a spare ram available. The discussion then turns to managing ram lambs, reducing the risk of fighting post-mating, and best practices for ram care once the breeding season ends. We finish up by talking about the importance of monitoring and managing ewe condition in the lead-up to housing. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Researcher, Sarah Woodmartin, gives us the monthly update on grassland management. In this episode, Sarah covers:- Current grass growth rates and average farm covers- Autumn closing plan and its importance- Achieving good cleanouts on swards- Tweaking the closing plan for new grass/clover and multispecies leys Whether you’re measuring grass weekly or just keeping an eye on conditions, Sarah shares timely, practical advice to help you get the best from your grazing this autumn. You can also sign up to the Grass10 newsletter here:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast