Treatment programmes (for shedding sheep)

[Sprig]

I am interested in what treatment programmes you all use and why. Also I am specifically interested in what those with shedding sheep do differently, if anything.
Thanks

 

[SteveHants]

You don't shear them.

You're welcome.

 

[Woolless]

I am interested in what treatment programmes you all use and why. Also I am specifically interested in what those with shedding sheep do differently, if anything.
Thanks

My ewes get Heptavac-P and mineral bolused twice yearly (deficiencies identified by forage and blood tests). Fluke drench late winter this last couple of years. No routine worming or fly control.

Lambs get Ovivac-P. Wormed according to FEC results. Mineral bolus at weaning. No fly control on Easycare lambs. The odd one that does get struck, I don't want it in the flock. Hampshire x lambs need it, though.

 

[SteveHants]

My ewes get Heptavac-P and mineral bolused twice yearly (deficiencies identified by forage and blood tests). Fluke drench late winter this last couple of years. No routine worming or fly control.

Lambs get Ovivac-P. Wormed according to FEC results. Mineral bolus at weaning. No fly control on Easycare lambs. The odd one that does get struck, I don't want it in the flock. Hampshire x lambs need it, though.

Apart from the not treating for fly, isn't that pretty much the treatment regime of any flock, wooled or not?

 

[Woolless]

Apart from the not treating for fly, isn't that pretty much the treatment regime of any flock, wooled or not?

It's nothing out of the ordinary but the OP did ask!

One thing I would point out is no Footvax, although shedders don't have exclusivity there. Forgot to say ewes vaccinated for Enzootic abortion but not Toxo (no issues up to now and it's extortionate).

 

[Sprig]

Thank-you. We have recently acquired a small flock of shedding sheep and I am currently trying to get my head around what is required for them. I know what the standard is in terms of treatment plans for sheep but I am keen to understand why people do what they do so I can make an informed decision. Ideally I want to give as few interventions as possible but obviously there are some things we definitely need to do. I plan on doing FEC and worming accordingly. We only have small numbers so I am not sure about conducting forage analysis for deficiencies. What are the general thoughts on this? Would you recommend fluke drenching as routine, or in wet areas only? Thanks

 

[Woolless]

When we moved four years ago, I asked a Kiwi vet (Trevor Cook) about what testing to do regarding minerals. He advised getting a sample of spring grass analysed to identify any potential problems and then blood sample a few few ewes before tupping to establish what they need. It wasn't that expensive and then at least you have some info to base decisions on.

You can get a dung sample checked for fluke eggs. Might be best to have a chat with your local vets.

 

[Bones]

Thank-you. We have recently acquired a small flock of shedding sheep and I am currently trying to get my head around what is required for them. I know what the standard is in terms of treatment plans for sheep but I am keen to understand why people do what they do so I can make an informed decision. Ideally I want to give as few interventions as possible but obviously there are some things we definitely need to do. I plan on doing FEC and worming accordingly. We only have small numbers so I am not sure about conducting forage analysis for deficiencies. What are the general thoughts on this? Would you recommend fluke drenching as routine, or in wet areas only? Thanks

Are you going to lamb in or out.

 

[Sprig]

They will be lambing outside, for the first year anyway.

 

[spin cycle]

as normal sheep except for fly.......ewes shed their fleece in spring/summer but it's dependant on body condition.....lean ewes will shed later so you have to watch these for fly......keep ewes in good nick and they'll shed rapidly.....i put 5ml of crovect on the head twice a yr to keep flys away from eyes

 

[MRT]

It will have more to do with local conditions and your management than the breed, talk to your nearest farmers and your vet

 

[Sprig]

Thanks all.

 

[Chasingmytail]

easycare (nelson x Wilt) bolus twice a year. That is it. No fly strike, FEC and good this year so havent wormed, no feet issues, and dont Heptovac as Im not convinced and its costly.

 

[Pan mixer]

Worm and treat fluke (wet fields) once a year at scanning, heptavac the ewes then too. Take the rams out then too, don't get them in the yard again until weaning if you don't count chasing round after newborn lambs to tag and castrate in the field.

Nothing else at all but may ovivac or heptavac the lambs this year as I lost several last winter.

 

[pgk]

My ewes get Heptavac-P and mineral bolused twice yearly (deficiencies identified by forage and blood tests). Fluke drench late winter this last couple of years. No routine worming or fly control.

Lambs get Ovivac-P. Wormed according to FEC results. Mineral bolus at weaning. No fly control on Easycare lambs. The odd one that does get struck, I don't want it in the flock. Hampshire x lambs need it, though.

Ditto this program save our crosses are texel

 

[Sprig]

I don't really know much about boluses. What is the advantage over a bucket?

 

[Woolless]

I don't really know much about boluses. What is the advantage over a bucket?

You know that each sheep gets their share with a bolus. Intakes from mineral buckets can vary and they're expensive. Some find bolusing sheep difficult. It's not easy but you just have to take your time.

 

[twizzel]

I don't really know much about boluses. What is the advantage over a bucket?

With a bolus you don’t end up feeding the local wildlife although that said I use buckets rather than boluses for ease of use

 

[unlacedgecko]

You know that each sheep gets their share with a bolus. Intakes from mineral buckets can vary and they're expensive. Some find bolusing sheep difficult. It's not easy but you just have to take your time.

Get a decent set up with combi clamp and you’ll smash through at 200/hr with a good pen dog.

 

[Wooly]

Do shedding sheep not get the fly ?

My shorn sheep get the fly and I'm sure Tim has mentioned he has put fly spray on his sheep in the past. Others have mentioned that they use fly products.

You don't shear them.

You're welcome.

We have a local farmer that has to shear his wool shedders when they don't shred properly, just to tidy them up.