Feeding cull ewes

[Woolless]

Home kill and feed to dogs?

They're not as bad as that! I've got a tup I can't get sound, he might have to go that route, or a lot of highly-spiced burgers!

 

[M-J-G]

I'm right with you on most of that. I just don't want to cull ewes of good genetic merit when I can get another crop of lambs from them.

Isn't there some irony in that?

 

[Woolless]

Isn't there some irony in that?

Er, no.

 

[M-J-G]

Er, no.

Why not keep them another year then?

 

[Woolless]

Why not keep them another year then?

It's generally my policy to keep a good ewe going as long as I can. I don't cast on age. So quite a few of these ewes are broken mouthed or have just got lean through old age. But there's also some that have had mastitis, been a pain in the butt or just not put on enough condition between weaning and tupping.

 

[andybk]

It's generally my policy to keep a good ewe going as long as I can. I don't cast on age. So quite a few of these ewes are broken mouthed or have just got lean through old age. But there's also some that have had mastitis, been a pain in the butt or just not put on enough condition between weaning and tupping.

the question you need to ask is can she rear 2 lambs , on her own for another year after a hard winter ? long or gappy teeth,, feet , udder or age , depends how much you want to put up with . I always replace a high proportion every year 25-30% (home bred) simply because newer genetics and a younger ewe is a better option , and good cull value of middle age ewe is often better than spring hogg price (i dont sell females for breeding ), this year might be different though on values

 

[Mc115reed]

the question you need to ask is can she rear 2 lambs , on her own for another year after a hard winter ? long or gappy teeth,, feet , udder or age , depends how much you want to put up with . I always replace a high proportion every year 25-30% (home bred) simply because newer genetics and a younger ewe is a better option , and good cull value of middle age ewe is often better than spring hogg price (i dont sell females for breeding ), this year might be different though on values

I used too be a run them in too the ground kind of guy but like you Iv gone too cull them for anything and everything replacing 25% every year so in theory my ewes won’t get older than 4-5 years old… which means the culls I have too sell are always going too trade reasonably well too cover there replacements cost… does break my hard though killing good well preforming ewes just because they’ve lost 1 tooth

 

[Anymulewilldo]

I’m probably a bit too strict on culling. But I’m certain my flock is healthier, carries more natural flesh and takes much less TLC than when we used too “give her another go”.
BUT I’m totally different too @Woolless , hardly keep any of my own replacements, everything produces a fat lamb. So I’m not looking for genetic gain in the same way he is. I do look at which old ewes still have a full set of good teeth after a few years and I tend too buy from the same places most of the time. Any that get culled too quick get their name on my “don’t touch unless store price” list!

 

[unlacedgecko]

I buy broker Shetlands and get 1/2 years out of them. My theory is someone else has already demonstrated their longevity, so they're great to breed replacements out of.

 

[Estate fencing.]

I buy broker Shetlands and get 1/2 years out of them. My theory is someone else has already demonstrated their longevity, so they're great to breed replacements out of.

What is the depreciation like on a broker Shetland? They can’t be worth much at the end and must cost a far bit to get from Shetland.

 

[Guiggs]

What is the depression like on a broker Shetland? They can’t be worth much at the end and must cost a far bit to get from Shetland.

I think to be fair to them they are generally quite happy go lucky, always smiling!

 

[Fake it ‘til you make it]

Ewes fatten like buggery off beet pulp. Doesn’t need too be dear fancy feed. Especially those old toothless hill ewes. I went through our feeding ewes and pulled the 25 very old lean ones that would just die outside. Put them in on good hay and SBP. Very impressed how fast they are fleshing out. (Apart from the 1 fecking swale, that died) as you say, bit of hard feed is better than knackerman bill!!

Just need plenty of trough space, otherwise you get Pulp Friction

 

[Anymulewilldo]

Just need plenty of trough space, otherwise you get Pulp Friction

And be quick feeding them or your knees get pulped!

 

[Woolless]

And be quick feeding them or your knees get pulped!

Went over my ankle yesterday. Feeding the old buggers last night wasn't much fun

 

[unlacedgecko]

What is the depreciation like on a broker Shetland? They can’t be worth much at the end and must cost a far bit to get from Shetland.

I don't have anything invested in stock and my accountant is happy.

You make your money when you buy

 

[M-J-G]

It's generally my policy to keep a good ewe going as long as I can. I don't cast on age. So quite a few of these ewes are broken mouthed or have just got lean through old age. But there's also some that have had mastitis, been a pain in the butt or just not put on enough condition between weaning and tupping.

If they're struggling to fatten they're there too long.
Surely if the right rams have been used in the past the younger ewes in the flock will be better than the old stock.
Ewe lambs from ewe lambs is the quickest genetic progress.
If so, why do these old sheep need to stay so long just get enough females to keep?
That was my point about the irony of the idea.

 

[Woolless]

If they're struggling to fatten they're there too long.
Surely if the right rams have been used in the past the younger ewes in the flock will be better than the old stock.
Ewe lambs from ewe lambs is the quickest genetic progress.
If so, why do these old sheep need to stay so long just get enough females to keep?
That was my point about the irony of the idea.

They don't all stay until they're pensioners, only if they still have good EBVs and a good track record! Happy to take a hit on a few of the golden oldies proven over course and distance.

 

[Top Tip.]

If they're struggling to fatten they're there too long.
Surely if the right rams have been used in the past the younger ewes in the flock will be better than the old stock.
Ewe lambs from ewe lambs is the quickest genetic progress.
If so, why do these old sheep need to stay so long just get enough females to keep?
That was my point about the irony of the idea.

Agree with this. I think to improve your flock you have to have a high replacement rate if you are breeding your own . I’ve done both and working with a flying flock of older ewes is hard work compared to a young homebred flock Be it a cow or ewe regular culling pays.

 

[M-J-G]

They don't all stay until they're pensioners, only if they still have good EBVs and a good track record! Happy to take a hit on a few of the golden oldies proven over course and distance.

Don't the trendy Guru's say manage the flock not the individuals

 

[M-J-G]

They don't all stay until they're pensioners, only if they still have good EBVs and a good track record! Happy to take a hit on a few of the golden oldies proven over course and distance.

But aren't the young ewes better to breed from on all fronts?
Isn't that what EBVs are about?