Dr Tim Keady joins Ciarán Lynch on the latest episode of OviCast to discuss the effects of autumn shearing on the performance of ewes, ewe lambs and store/finishing lambs.

With the cost of shearing versus return from wool at a low point, Tim starts off by emphasising why it’s important for producers to get a performance benefit from it where possible.

Tim takes us through the results of many studies conducted in the area, examining fertility traits, subsequent progeny performance, growth rate and carcass gain. He then outlines where the measurable gains are and dispels some of the perceived performance benefits.

Aside from the performance differences they also discuss management benefits to shearing at this stage of the season finishing up with Tim’s views on how late in the season he would consider shearing.

For more episodes from OviCast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast/