Lower lambing percentage

[Swaley]

Hello all, I have a few swaledale drafts which I put to the BFL and I sell a few mule gimmers in the backend. The ewes aren't caked all winter and just run on rough grazing but always scan 200% and lamb about 185% to 190%, with this being high for older ewes they need caked for 5 weeks prior to lambing and Atleast 8 weeks after lambing which isn't best as feed is going up and most likely not going to come down. In my mind they just have too many lambs on them and was thinking if there was any way of lowering the lambing percentage and having more singles on them, I know it sounds mad but any ideas how to achieve a lower lambing percentage.
Thanksyou

 

[Woolless]

Restrict their grazing round tupping? If you just buy in drafts then a Cheviot scan might suit you better. I really can't get my head around how a 'hill' breed scans such a high percentage, even on better ground.

 

[unlacedgecko]

Restrict their grazing round tupping? If you just buy in drafts then a Cheviot scan might suit you better. I really can't get my head around how a 'hill' breed scans such a high percentage, even on better ground.

Swales are very prolific. I've heard of several flocks that do similar scans.

 

[Woolless]

Swales are very prolific. I've heard of several flocks that do similar scans.

Yes, one or two similar on here. Not really suitable for a hill place unless you feed heavily.

 

[unlacedgecko]

Yes, one or two similar on here. Not really suitable for a hill place unless you feed heavily.

I'm sure a couple of generations lambing on the heather would correct the issue.

 

[JHC]

Late weaning and no flushing keeps us down to about 150% most years. Mostly texel crosses lambing outside during april.

 

[muleman]

Hello all, I have a few swaledale drafts which I put to the BFL and I sell a few mule gimmers in the backend. The ewes aren't caked all winter and just run on rough grazing but always scan 200% and lamb about 185% to 190%, with this being high for older ewes they need caked for 5 weeks prior to lambing and Atleast 8 weeks after lambing which isn't best as feed is going up and most likely not going to come down. In my mind they just have too many lambs on them and was thinking if there was any way of lowering the lambing percentage and having more singles on them, I know it sounds mad but any ideas how to achieve a lower lambing percentage.
Thanksyou

You cant beat a swale,mule, bfl for lamb numbers.
I guess it could be a while before the cheviot, beltex, texel fellas come on here asking how to lower their lambing percentage!

 

[neilo]

Hello all, I have a few swaledale drafts which I put to the BFL and I sell a few mule gimmers in the backend. The ewes aren't caked all winter and just run on rough grazing but always scan 200% and lamb about 185% to 190%, with this being high for older ewes they need caked for 5 weeks prior to lambing and Atleast 8 weeks after lambing which isn't best as feed is going up and most likely not going to come down. In my mind they just have too many lambs on them and was thinking if there was any way of lowering the lambing percentage and having more singles on them, I know it sounds mad but any ideas how to achieve a lower lambing percentage.
Thanksyou

I know feed seems expensive, but do the (20%?) extra lambs sold not cover it?

As above, our lamb numbers are held down by poorer grass at tupping than I’d like and weaning too late. I’d like to move them up, even at the expense of more cades, if it meant a higher proportion having one on each tit.

 

[unlacedgecko]

I know feed seems expensive, but do the (20%?) extra lambs sold not cover it?

As above, our lamb numbers are held down by poorer grass at tupping than I’d like and weaning too late. I’d like to move them up, even at the expense of more cades, if it meant a higher proportion having one on each tit.

surely a man of your connections could source some MV accredited Cambridge blood?