Ewe FertilityTechnical Guide

Supporting health through nutrition to maximise production profitability

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Achieving the best potential results from a sheep flock is reliant on getting the most lambs weaned from the ewes that are eligible for mating.

Tupping represents the beginning of the sheep year, and a successful start is an essential foundation for a profitable enterprise. Tackling fertility means taking a fresh look at the whole flock system, then setting realistic targets for improvement. A key target at tupping is a compact lambing period. Shorter lambing periods mean smaller age gaps for your lambs, resulting in lower disease risk and a more uniform crop. Putting ewes on good pasture a few weeks before tupping, a system known as ‘flushing’, will increase the number of eggs released and improve chances of conception at first service. This will achieve a compressed lambing period.

Achieving a rising plane of nutrition can mean the difference between singles and twins. A percentage of 180% compared to 150% per 100 ewes can be a difference of £2,400 at market. The benefits are clear in this case.

Ensuring that all the points below are considered is vital to optimising successful fertility and conception in ewes.

Brinicombe Agri

SolutionsStock

Management

Nutrition

RamManagement

Breeds/Genetics

Disease Prevention

Checkpoints for Success

Successful fertility management

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Breed/Genetics Mothering ability and milk yields should be taken into account when trying to achieve the appropriate lambing percentage on farm. Hill breeds, such as Blackface, may not be looking to get as much as 150% due to their lack of ability to cope with twins but lowland breeds are able to manage two lambs and aiming for 200% should be an achievable goal.

Disease Prevention Some diseases at lambing can only be influenced by management and not dealt with through nutrition. Ewes should be vaccinated against detrimental diseases 4-6 weeks before tupping. Other major health problems such as lameness should also be dealt with prior to tupping as ewes will not stand to be mated if they have such issues. Nutrition will also be compromised.

Stock Management Keep only the ewes that are fit for breeding. No ewe should be kept if it is unlikely to rear lambs next season. BCS, udder condition and any previous reproductive problems such as abortions, ring womb, prolapse, difficult lambing and poor mothering instinct are all aspects to consider.

Nutrition Flushing is one of, if not the most important factors pre tupping. Achieving a rising plane of nutrition for the ewe promotes ovulation and reduces embryo re-absorptions.

Ram Management Ensure your ram is in good working order 7 weeks prior to tupping. Teeth, testicles and feet need to be in good condition.

Brinicombe Agri Solutions Our solutions work alongside the above points, helping to achieve a profitable and successful tupping period.

Checkpoints for Success

The following pages are a guide to how our solutions can work on your farm to support ewe fertility.

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Ewe Fertility Solutions TableThe table below is designed to highlight which solution best suits the situation depending on priority of the risk.

Key:+ Will have an effect ++ Includes key features for the situation+++ Designed for the situation, very effective ++++ Market leader for situation

Con

cept

ion

Ute

rine

hea

lth

Lam

enes

s

Hor

mon

e pr

oduc

tion

Follic

le d

evel

opm

ent

Embr

yo im

plan

tatio

n

BCS

of e

wes

Ener

gy (r

isin

g pl

ane

of

nutr

ition

)

Ram

man

agem

ent

Tupping Tubby +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ ++ +++ ++

Super Tup Tubby ++++ +++ ++ ++++ ++++ ++++ + +++ ++

Sheeplic All in one ++ ++ + + + + +++ +++ ++

Ewe Flusher Bucket ++++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ ++

Ewe Flusher Mineral ++++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ ++ ++

Stockbooster Ewe Drench ++ ++ ++ ++ +++ + + + ++

Stockbooster Ewe Drench no Cu ++ ++ ++ ++ +++ + + + ++

DBG Sheep Phos ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ + ++

ZinCap Sheep + ++ + ++ ++ + + + ++

Ram Nutrition Tubby +++ ++ ++ +++ ++++

proSolve Hoof Care Sheep ++ ++ ++++ ++ ++ +++ + + ++

SugaBlend Liquid ++ + + + + + +++ ++++ ++

Easi Sheep 18/22 Liquid Feed ++ + + + + + +++ +++ ++

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Stimulates liver function Enhances energy utilisation and hormone production

Source of energy Crucial for flushing to increase ovulation rate

Embryo survivalAids fertility and egg implantation

Tupping Tubby Optimal mineral and energy supplementation for flushing

Weight: 22kg tub

Feeding rate: 1 x 22kg tub/25 ewes/4 weeks (approx. intake of 30g/hd/day)

Suitability: All breeding sheep. Feed 3 weeks before the ram is introduced and then 3-6 weeks during

Top Tip: Ensure body condition, a rising plane of nutrition, no disease/lameness & ram fertility are considered. If these are all at optimum levels the Tupping Tubby and Super Tup Tubby will have the most beneficial effect.

For ewes that breed earlier in the season, such as Dorsets, or for tightening up the lambing period use Super Tup Tubby.

Features Benefits

Contains Acetona & Yeast-ExStimulates liver glucose production and

enhances rumen function therefore providing optimum conditions for utilisation.

High sugars and phosphorus Boosts energy helping to drive production.

Contains high zinc, selenium and vitamin E Supports a healthy immune system to help sustain a healthy reproductive tract.

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Sheeplic All in oneA high energy and protein feed and mineral bucket containing fish oil for breeding ewes to support optimal health, fertility and performance

Bypass energy sourceImproves ovulation and conception rates

Embryo survivalAids fertility & egg implantation

Reproductive organ development Ensures optimal environment for fertilisation

Weight: 25kg bucket

Feeding rate: 80g-100g/hd/day

Suitability: Ewes from 2 weeks pre-tupping for 8 weeks

Top Tip: Allow one bucket (25kg) per 35 head of sheep to reduce competition and encourage shy feeders

Where grass quality is good and additional feed is not required use Tupping Tubby. The bucket provides an optimal mineral supplementationfor flushing.

Features Benefits

Protein supplied from both natural sources and urea

To help complement grazing and conserved forages (silages) to support feed digestion and

animal performance

Contains Crina® Ruminants, a blend of natural flavouring compounds

To support feed digestibility and utilisation.

Contains fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids

To support fertility and conception rates at breeding time

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Ewe FlusherTo aid fertility, tighten lambing periods and increase lambing percentage

Improves body conditionSource of bypass protein & energy to improve condition during flushing

Promotes fertilityTightens lambing period and increases lambing percentage

Helps support a healthy immune system Throughout the duration of flushing

Weight: 20kg tub

Feeding rate: 50-200g/hd/day

Suitability: Pre-tupping ewes

Top Tip: For best results, feed 3-4 weeks before introducing the ram and 4 weeks afterwards. This covers multiple ovulation cycles in case the ram does not impregnate the ewe on the first cycle. Feeding after conception will lower chances of foetal reabsorption.

The Zintec Ewe Flusher Bucket is available in a granular mineral form also. We offer alternative methods of applications to meet your needs on farm.

Features Benefits

Quality protein and energy

Bypass protein from soya and concentrated energy from the Megalac, also includes sugars to help improve the condition of the ewe during flushing time and reduce the number of barren

ewes in the flock.

Includes chelated trace elementsDramatically increases trace element availability over normal sources and reduces the negative

effects of antagonists.

High levels of selenium and vitamin E These anti-oxidants help improve fertility in ewes and semen quality in rams.

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Stockbooster Ewe DrenchMineral and vitamin drench to help support health and fertility

Supports a healthy immune system Ensures production does not suffer

Drives energy metabolismHelps achieve rising plane of nutrition

Healthy ovarian follicle developmentImproves lambing percentage and tighter lambing periods

Top Tip: Ideal for use when trying to tighten the lambing period and help reduce barren ewes. Highly recommended for use on rams also to help boost semen quality and quantity.

Drench is also available with no added copper – ideal for breeds such as Texel, North Ronaldsay and several continental short-wool breeds of sheep.

Features Benefits

Contains beta-carotene Helps encourage healthy ovarian follicle development, ovary function and egg production.

High levels of cobalt and vitamin B12 Boosts energy metabolism when needed at critical time of sexual activity.

Includes chelated trace elementsDramatically increases trace element availability

over normal sources and reduces negative effects of antagonists.

Size: 1l or 2.5l drench

Feeding rate: Ewes - 20ml per ewe, 4 weeks before going to the tup

Rams – 30ml per ram, 6 weeks before introduction to ewes

Suitability: Suitable for sheep of all ages *Contains copper which may cause issues to some breeds of sheep*

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DBG Sheep PhosFree access, high molassine meal mineral for ewes when there is a particular demand for phosphorus (tupping time)

Maintains healthHelps supports a healthy reproductive environment

Reliable intakes at grassFree access, palatable mineral with dependable intakes

Aids fertilityCombats phosphorus shortages in the diet

Top Tip: Use products together to eliminate deficiencies while grazing to improve flushing.

A guaranteed supply of trace elements and vitamins to balance any deficiencies at grass use ZinCap Sheep Capsules. The capsule is packed full of trace elements and vitamins and dissolves in the rumen.

Features Benefits

High phosphorus levels Improves fertility when phosphorus deficiencies occur.

High in vitamin A Aids conception rates and creates correct conditions for a successful mating.

Contains molassine meal (Mastermol) Aids palatability and ensures reliable intakes at grass.

Weight: 25kg bag

Feeding rate: 15-30g per ewe per day

Suitability: All classes of breeding sheep

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Ram Nutrition TubbyFor growing and pre-working rams to improve performance

Supports sperm mobility & productionIncreases conception rates

Hardens hoof structureSupports a healthy hoof structure for optimum performance

Reduces incidences of kidney stonesEnsures healthy, productive rams

Weight: 14kg tub

Feeding rate: 1 Tub per 10 rams (approx. 14-25g/hd/day)

Suitability: Young or mature rams - pedigree or commercial

Top Tip: The Ram Nutrition Tubby is one of the few custom formulated ram products on the market. It is specifically made to enhance ram performance for the benefit of your flock.

Part of the ram MOT is making sure the ram is good on his feet and there is no lameness present. This is also important in ewes so they stand for the ram. ProSolve Hoof Care Sheep is a granular, free access mineral containing high levels of zinc and biotin to help harden hoof structure and integrity.

Features Benefits

Contains anionic salts, high levels of sodium and no added magnesium

Helps alleviate kidney stones by acidifying the urine and encouraging water intakes to maintain

a healthy urinary system.

High levels of chelated zinc Helps harden hoof structure & improves sperm production.

High in manganese Helps to develop reproductive organs and prepare the ram for the working period.

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Suga BlendLiquid feed for energy dependant situations

High energy source Ideal at flushing for rising plane of nutrition

Forage utilisationFuel for rumen bugs to increase digestion

Feed off the ball Allows animals to balance their own needs

Weight: Litres

Feeding rate: 1-2 litres/hd/week

Suitability: Ewes at tupping/pre-lambing or when energy is required with no added protein

Top Tip: Feed the liquid feeds off a ball lick feeder for a low labour option. The animal will self-regulate with Easi-Sheep Liquids depending on nutritional requirements. Suga-Blend does not contain added protein so stock may not self-regulate and intakes may need to be monitored.

When the quality of grazing is very poor, protein pre tupping may also be a requirement. Easi-Sheep 18 and 22 both have good levels of protein and energy to balance forage and increase nutrition prior to breeding.

Features Benefits

Very high sugar levels Adds palatability to the ration as well as boosting ener-gy where forage quality is poorer.

Contains trace elements and vitaminsSupplies rumen microbial needs so the bugs reproduce quicker while also maintaining the health and production

of the animal.

Options available Tailor the liquid to individual, specific diet requirements (contact us to find out more).

1973

1982

Company formed

Celebrating over 40 years in business

0800 374 325 | enquiries@brinicombe.co.uk

www.brinicombe.co.uk

Relocated to Crediton office and factory

1987 First Tubby produced

1991

1996

1997

2002

2009

2005

2013

2008

2017

Created Mineral Clinic

Launched Stokblok

Built 5th factory at Crediton

Acquired Chapman & Frearson and FSL Bells

ProSolve launched

Launched Brinicombe Equine

Acquired Zintec

Acquired Lachlan MacGregor Feeds

Exporting to over 20 countries

Like us on f Follow us on l @DenisBrinicombe

Fordton Industrial Estate, Crediton, Devon, UK EX17 3BZ