Regulin

[cowboysupper]

We run a Texel flock of around 50 ewes alongside our commercials, lambing from mid February onwards.

Over the past couple of years we've been disappointed with our AI hold rate, which has probably been in around 65-70%. We use fresh semen only and generally the rams have been producing good quality semen on the day of AI. Of those that repeat approximately half would hold on the first cycle after AI, but of course a number run on for a few cycles and some don't hold at all.

I've been giving some thought to using Regulin this year, but before doing so I was wondering how others have been getting on with it? Pre AI we have been using the teaser, sponging and using PMSG. We try to keep as stress free an environment as possible and our ewes are fit but not fat when going to service. Would like to try and improve our hold rate if we can. Of those that scan in lamb through to first 2 cycles they carry around 170% which isn't bad for Texels.

 

[Deereone]

Sounds like you need some Dorset blood.

 

[neilo]

We run a Texel flock of around 50 ewes alongside our commercials, lambing from mid February onwards.

Over the past couple of years we've been disappointed with our AI hold rate, which has probably been in around 65-70%. We use fresh semen only and generally the rams have been producing good quality semen on the day of AI. Of those that repeat approximately half would hold on the first cycle after AI, but of course a number run on for a few cycles and some don't hold at all.

I've been giving some thought to using Regulin this year, but before doing so I was wondering how others have been getting on with it? Pre AI we have been using the teaser, sponging and using PMSG. We try to keep as stress free an environment as possible and our ewes are fit but not fat when going to service. Would like to try and improve our hold rate if we can. Of those that scan in lamb through to first 2 cycles they carry around 170% which isn't bad for Texels.

When Regulin first came out I used it for two years, alongside sponging and AI, for that exact same reason. It didn't seem to make a jot of difference so I stopped.

I've found getting any trace element deficiencies sorted has made the biggest difference, whether that's been by buckets, drenches or boluses. Of course, if you don't have anything deficient, that would just be pee'ing money away (regardless of what the salesmen might tell you).

 

[Ysgythan]

We used to but don't anymore. Didn't see a difference. We AI in October so they're well in season anyway. Do you use trace element Boluses?

 

[cowboysupper]

We used to but don't anymore. Didn't see a difference. We AI in October so they're well in season anyway. Do you use trace element Boluses?

Did bloods last year. Were a little low in selenium so we bloused but I can't say it made any noticeable difference unfortunately.

 

[neilo]

Perhaps do half the ewes with Regulin this year, then you'll see if it makes any difference? There are variations in conception rates each year IME, so doing a group is the only real way to test it.
I would certainly be disappointed to average 60-70% to fresh semen though.

 

[Ysgythan]

Are you pulling them down to flush them up? I know that helps lambing % if typed naturally, but less of a pull down and a gradual rising plane of nutrition rather than a steep flush works better for first time conception in Texels according to Ian McDougall.

 

[andybk]

Regulin is good but works better in a dark summer (cloudy / wet) bright summers like this is not good , had very variable results in the years we used it .

 

[gatepost]

I use it in gimmers, which I think works to increase % a bit. Feb is at front end of Texels natural breeding period so is always a bit tricky IMO, have let ours drift back into March which is better, but rules out super sized lambs for shows and sales!

 

[Six Dogs]

Interesting,we did half our sponged early ewes 2 years ago as a trial good results,did all 200 last year even better scanning-just done them now!
However it is now over £4 shot plus aPiTA to do

 

[Ysgythan]

Regulin is good but works better in a dark summer (cloudy / wet) bright summers like this is not good.

Sorry, that just tickled me.​

 

[cowboysupper]

Are you pulling them down to flush them up? I know that helps lambing % if typed naturally, but less of a pull down and a gradual rising plane of nutrition rather than a steep flush works better for first time conception in Texels according to Ian McDougall.

I'll be honest, ours generally get a tight run through summer and generally only move on to better grazing a month from AI - usually because the ewes have been pretty fit after weaning and have needed to slim down. This year will probably be different as we fed less concentrate in the spring and they're definitely in less form which will offer the chance to build them up over a longer period.

 

[Ysgythan]

I'll be honest, ours generally get a tight run through summer and generally only move on to better grazing a month from AI - usually because the ewes have been pretty fit after weaning and have needed to slim down. This year will probably be different as we fed less concentrate in the spring and they're definitely in less form which will offer the chance to build them up over a longer period.

I think the message is they may not need to slim down as much as you think. Listening to Rock and Roll Farming podcast this morning to a dairy farmer that had 42% conception until he paid quite a lot of money to sort out their nutrition.

 

[gatepost]

What is R&R podcast, a disease of peas?