Agridirect.ie discusses the approaching tupping season, and offers farmers some advice on easy lambing breeds.
We are now over a week into August, and sheep farmers who have not already bought a ram will surely be making a purchase within the next month. When planning to import a ram onto your farm, it is hard to overstate the importance of knowing what you are looking for in next year’s lambs. Some farmers only consider carcass weights, while those planning to breed ewe lambs for replacements will be concerned with the maternal qualities of a given breed.
Arguably among the most important criteria that you should consider when purchasing a ram is ease of lambing. True, ease of lambing need not be given preference over other important criteria, but it should always be among your priorities. That is why we at Agridirect.ie have put together this list of 4 easy lambing sheep breeds that will help to put you on the right track this tupping season. We hope you enjoy!
4. Charollais
Originating from the Charolles and Saóne-et-Loire regions in France, the Charollais is a fairly large sheep that will thrive on both lowland and hill farms. Even better, the Charollais is fine-boned and easy to flesh, boasting an excellent kill-out percentage. The Charollais ram tends to be robust and long-lived, while lambs are easily delivered and usually keen to suck. In short, the Charollais is an excellent choice for your farm, offering a combination of easy lambing, strong lambs and good finishing weights.
3. Lleyn
Much like the Charollais, Lleyn sheep tend to do well on both lowland and hill farms. Though admittedly not as large as many terminal breeds, the Lleyn has made a remarkable comeback since the 1970s, when it was classified as a rare breed. Nowadays, these hardy sheep are commonplace for a number of reasons, but primarily because they are easy to feed and offer an excellent net return. It also helps that they are extremely easy lambing and produce strong, vigorous lambs.
2. Vendeen
A handsome and distinctive-looking sheep, the Vendéen is also a breed with an interesting backstory. Originally coming from France’s western coastal Vendée region, the sheep is said to descend from animals rescued from the wreckage of the Spanish Armada. Whether true or not, there is no doubt that Vendéens are born survivors and have done very well in Irish weather conditions. The major appeals of the Vendéen are its extremely lean meat and, of course, the fact that it is an exceptionally easy lambing breed.
1. Belclare
A breed developed by Dr. JP Hanrahan to improve the lambing returns of Irish flocks, the Belclare is a truly remarkable sheep that has soared in popularity in recent decades. An easily managed sheep, Belclares are the ultimate breeders, offering farmers a high output from very low maintenance. Renowned as the easiest lambing sheep breed on the market, the Belclare will also produce strong, healthy lambs with a high growth rate and strong worm resistance. Ewes are usually terrific mothers and produce plenty of milk to boot.
So there you have it. If you are looking for an easy lambing sheep breed, you won’t go too far wrong with any of these 4. But what are your thoughts? Do you have a favourite easy lambing breed? If so, please let us know about it in the comments section. Here at Agridirect.ie, we want to provide a platform for you, the farmer, to share your knowledge and experiences!
