Body condition scoring mature ewes at key stages in the year, such as weaning and pre-tupping, allows farmers to adjust management and nutrition to maximise productivity and reduce health problems.
The Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service has just issued a technical note illustrating how to perform the simple physical examination, which is particularly useful on hill farms, where the technique can lead to a higher lambing and rearing percentage as well as increased milk yields.
The technical note includes diagrams showing how farmers can measure fat and muscle by feeling a sheep’s back.
SAC Consulting's Kirsten Williams, who co-wrote the note, said: “Flocks are often made up of different breeds which have varying frame sizes, fleece covers and genetics, and sheep may have gut fill or a full fleece. It’s therefore very difficult to assess the body reserves of a mature sheep visually.
“Physically handling the sheep at key timings throughout the year allows flock managers to alter management and nutrition depending on the body reserves of the sheep.”
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