OviCast

Sheep specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us on this week's OviCast to discuss how to stay ahead of potential issues in the flock post-turnout.

Michael provides insights into the current situation on farms and shares practical advice for maintaining performance, especially where grass supplies are tight. 

He explains why managing a separate group of problem ewes and lambs can be a beneficial strategy.

We also cover key health concerns, including the treatment and prevention of grass tetany, as well as common challenges farmers may face - ranging from mastitis and lameness to coccidiosis in lambs.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead. 

Niamh discusses current growth grass rates, grazing management, setting up a rotation and targets for the month ahead as well as fertiliser advice. 

You can subscribe 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

Niall Conaty from Teagasc Agricultural College Ballyhaise joins us to discuss practical tips for the lambing shed. 

We cover setup, pen layout, group pens and dedicated areas for problem cases and Niall offers insights on streamlining tasks to reduce workload during this busy period.

We also discuss how simple additions, such as whiteboards and labels on pens, can improve communication, along with best practices for recording replacements, identifying problem ewes, and maintaining hygiene and biosecurity throughout lambing.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr. Philip Creighton joins us on this week’s OviCast to discuss key aspects of grazing management for the weeks ahead. 

We discuss opening covers on farms this spring, the factors influencing them, and their implications for management post-turnout. 

Philip also shares insights on fertiliser application response rates and the economics behind it. 

Additionally, we dive into grazing management strategies, target residuals, spring rotation budgeting and setting up the second rotation.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead. 

Niamh also highlights opening covers on farms and current growth rates, plus we discuss fertiliser prices and targeted application before finishing up with grazing management.

You can subscribe 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

Kieran O’Mahony, Area Veterinary Manager at Zoetis, joins us on this week’s OviCast to discuss Clostridial vaccination in sheep. 

Kieran outlines the challenges posed by Clostridial disease, followed by an in-depth discussion on vaccination strategies and optimal timing for both ewes and lambs. 

We also cover key practical considerations, including proper vaccine storage and administration, and why these steps are crucial for effectiveness. 

Additionally, we address the supply challenges encountered this year and their impact on vaccination programmes.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

As lambing season approaches, we're joined by Dr. Frank Campion to discuss key aspects of managing ewe condition at this critical stage of the production cycle. 

Frank begins by analysing the latest scan results from the BETTER farms and comparing them to previous seasons. We also examine the challenges posed by lower feed value silage this year and its implications for feeding plans.

Frank highlights the significant impact of ewe body condition score (BCS) on lamb survival, growth rates, and flock culling decisions. 

We explore practical short-term strategies to mitigate these effects, with a particular focus on the heightened vulnerability of younger ewes.

For more information: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/events/2025/Are-we-paying-enough-attention-to-ewe-body-condition-score-and-how-important-is-it.pdf

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Jason Callaghan from the AIMS division in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine joins this week’s OviCast to discuss various aspects of the Sheep Census.  

Jason outlines the key dates and deadlines for submission and explains the three different methods available:

-        Written form

-        Agfood account

-        Using the AIMS Services app

He also walks us through the different census categories and provides guidance on how to complete the submission process. 

For more information contact: [email protected]

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead. 

Niamh first discusses over-winter growth and the importance of assessing opening covers; she then explains the spreading dates for chemical and organic fertiliser and the need to ensure conditions are suitable before spreading. 

Finally, Niamh encourages anyone who has soil samples to collect to do so in the coming weeks to address soil fertility this year.

You can subscribe 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

Environmental specialist, Tim Hyde, joins us on this week’s OviCast to discuss calculating nitrate stocking rates on farms. 

Tim explains how this figure is calculated for different classes of livestock. We discuss how to find the figures for cattle and how to calculate the contribution of sheep on the farm. 

With new regulations in effect this year, Tim explains how this may impact producers for the coming season and the importance of knowing your own farm figures. 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast