KEEPING TRACK of flock performance is sometimes not easy when busy season make for poor record keeping, but now a practical new management tool developed by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, in conjunction with ADAS, should prove a boon.

Designed to encourage positive dialogue between farmers and vets, the new Flock Performance Indicator helps both parties identify key flock health issues that are damaging profitability on the farm. It also helps target specific health inputs such as vaccination and treatment regimes more effectively.

“Many sheep producers are losing income unnecessarily and by pinpointing areas of maximum potential loss – for example, by benchmarking total lambs sold per ewe put to the tup, problems can be highlighted and remedial action implemented,” says Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health ruminant veterinary adviser, Paul Williams.

Provided the farm keeps records, the indicator tool allows vet and producer to assess and benchmark scanning and abortion information, specific lamb loss details, as well as sales and replacement information.

Sheep producers interested in the new tool should talk to their vet.