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SheepNet : SHaring Expertise and Experience towards sheep Productivity through NETworking (1 of 2)
SheepNet : SHaring Expertise and Experience towards sheep Productivity through NETworking (1 of 2)
Context
The EU is only 85% self-sufficient in sheep meat and is the largest importer of sheep meat worldwide. An increase in EU ewe productivity by 0.1 lambs reared per ewe joined would increase self-sufficiency in sheep meat to 92%. Ewe productivity is one of the main factors impacting on profitability of prime lamb production.
Objectives
SheepNet is an EU network about practice-driven innovation to improve productivity meat sheep (the number of lambs reared per ewe joined) and the milk sheep (the number of milking ewes per ewe joined): a critical component of farmers’ income and therefore of the sustainability and attractiveness of sheep farming. SheepNet will establish durable exchange of scientific and practical knowledge among researchers, farmers and advisors across Europe. By a multi-actor and transdisciplinary approach, SheepNet will promote the implementation and dissemination of innovative technologies and practices.
Objectives
See opbjectives in English
Activities
Six main sheep producing EU countries (Romania, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Ireland), plus Turkey are involved in SheepNet. The project aims to: 1)produce a scientific, technical and practical knowledge reservoir; 2)foster cross-fertilization through multi-actors workshops at national and international levels; 3)develop an easily understandable support package of communication and learning material, web-based tools, interactive platform. This network is widely open to all EU countries, stakeholders, sheep famers. In order to participate or to be informed, contact us via our website!
Additional information
SheepNet is an open and easy access network, Stakeholders are fostered to participate, propose solutions and innovation via our interactive platform and via the different social medias.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Type of Horizon project
- Multi-actor project - Thematic network
Location
- Main geographical location
- Haute-Garonne
EUR 1 991 289.00
Total budget
Total contributions including EU funding.
75 Practice Abstracts
Assure the first lambs colostrum intake at maximum 4-6 hours after birth, preferable during the first hour of life. Observe lambs and their dam’s behaviour immediately after lambing, and look for signs of miss mothering. Observe ewes with mastitis, and isolate their lambs.
Colostrum should be bottle-fed to the new born to insure adequate consumption at 38 °C, should not be heated at microwave, because this process will damage the antibody proteins.
During lambing, colostrum from multiparous ewes, which lambed singletons should be collected and refrigerated or frozen (storage of up to 6 months). Feed colostrum during the first 3 to 4 days of life, 150-200 ml/feed, at least three times per day, depending on the size of the lamb.
Additional colostrum, if available at farm level should be given to triplet born lambs. Use of a colostrometer to asses’ colostrum quality before storage. Cull all ewes following miss mothering or low milk yields.
Expected benefits: Improved orphan or miss mothered lamb survival.
Prerequisites and/or limits: Observing miss mothering might be impractical in some farming systems; In some cases, although the dam-lamb bond is established and strong, the ewe does not produce enough colostrum, this applies especially in primiparous; Farmers should cull as soon as possible all ewes which manifest miss mothering.
Este recomandat ca mieii să consume primul tain de colostru la maximum 4-6 ore de la fătare, de preferat în prima jumătate oră de viaţă. Crescătorul trebuie să observe comportamentul oii mame imediat după fătare, în special să verifice dacă mielul este acceptat la supt sau daca oaia mama prezintă semne clinice de mastită. Mieii orfani trebuie să primească colostru folosind tetine speciale sau sonde, la temperatura de 37-38 °C. Colostrul nu trebuie încălzit la microunde, deoarece acest procedeu distruge o serie de anticorpi.
În sezonul de fătare, se poate recolta colostrum de la oile multipare care au fătat un singur miel, sau oile ale căror miei au fost fătaţi morţi, iar colostrul se poate păstra în congelator până la 6 luni.
Colostru se recomandă să fie administrat mieilor în primele 3-4 zile de viaţă, în cantităţi de 150-200 ml la fiecare tain, cel puţin de trei ori pe zi, preferabil la intervale de 3-4 ore. Pentru evaluarea calităţii colostrului, se poate utiliza la nivel de fermă colostrometrul. Se recomandă reformarea tuturor oilor care au o producţie scăzută de lapte la fătare, precum şi a oilor care nu-şi acceptă mieii.
Beneficii estimate: Creşterea ratelor de supravieţuire la mieii slăbiţi sau orfani cu 20%.
Cerințe preliminare şi/sau limitări: Monitorizarea permanentă a oilor în primele ore după fătare este de multe ori improbabilă; Uneori, deşi legătura oaie-miel se formează, oaia-mamă nu produce suficient colostru pentru a asigura mielului necesarul; Reformarea oilor care îşi abandonează mielul este recomandată.
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/89
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/89
Reduced embryonic and fetal survival rates may result from nutritional factors, infectious, fungal or toxic factors, maternal factors, environmental factors and genetic causes. These can affect the quality of the egg, and the physiology of the ewe, which increases the risk of embryo death. A range of bacterial, viral and parastitic agents, as well as plant-based toxins, can cause embryonic death and abortion. Caution must always be taken when handling aborted ewes and fetuses as some infectious microorganisms can be transmitted to humans.
Each farm or flock may have different risk factors and abortion at different gestational stages. Identifying the main reasons for abortion and the more important risk factors are the key steps in developing mitigation strategies. Recording individual breeding dates, ultrasonography dates/results and abortion data, in order to identify when and why sheep do not lamb, will help to improve gestation efficiency.
Reduced embryonic and fetal survival rates may result from nutritional factors, infectious, fungal or toxic factors, maternal factors, environmental factors and genetic causes. These can affect the quality of the egg, and the physiology of the ewe, which increases the risk of embryo death. A range of bacterial, viral and parastitic agents, as well as plant-based toxins, can cause embryonic death and abortion. Caution must always be taken when handling aborted ewes and fetuses as some infectious microorganisms can be transmitted to humans.
Each farm or flock may have different risk factors and abortion at different gestational stages. Identifying the main reasons for abortion and the more important risk factors are the key steps in developing mitigation strategies. Recording individual breeding dates, ultrasonography dates/results and abortion data, in order to identify when and why sheep do not lamb, will help to improve gestation efficiency.
Lambs die because of: dystocia causing hypoxia or injury; an inability to adjust to postnatal life, which can lead to starvation, mis-mothering and hypothermia; infectious disease; predation; congenital malformation, and accident. The importance of these factors will be affected by farm system. Indoor lambing systems can protect the lamb from hypothermia and predation, but deaths from infectious causes are more common. In outdoor systems, lambs are more likely to die from starvation, hypothermia and predation, but will be less exposed to pathogens.
The risk factors for lamb mortality are ewe undernutrition (resulting in light lambs and less milk), larger litter sizes (where smaller lambs are more vulnerable to starvation and exposure), maternal inexperience, ewe age, genetics, stress or disturbance at lambing and the lambing environment.
Many of the causes of lamb mortality are preventable. A key goal should be for the lamb to suckle adequate amounts of colostrum from the ewe as soon as possible after birth. This will ensure a good bond between ewe and lamb, prevent starvation and hypothermia, and protect the lamb from some causes of infectious disease. Actions to improve lamb survival involve selecting animals with appropriate traits for the environment and the farm system, providing sufficient ewe nutrition, particularly in late pregnancy, and ensuring a quiet, clean lambing environment.
Lambs die because of: dystocia causing hypoxia or injury; an inability to adjust to postnatal life, which can lead to starvation, mis-mothering and hypothermia; infectious disease; predation; congenital malformation, and accident. The importance of these factors will be affected by farm system. Indoor lambing systems can protect the lamb from hypothermia and predation, but deaths from infectious causes are more common. In outdoor systems, lambs are more likely to die from starvation, hypothermia and predation, but will be less exposed to pathogens.
The risk factors for lamb mortality are ewe undernutrition (resulting in light lambs and less milk), larger litter sizes (where smaller lambs are more vulnerable to starvation and exposure), maternal inexperience, ewe age, genetics, stress or disturbance at lambing and the lambing environment.
Many of the causes of lamb mortality are preventable. A key goal should be for the lamb to suckle adequate amounts of colostrum from the ewe as soon as possible after birth. This will ensure a good bond between ewe and lamb, prevent starvation and hypothermia, and protect the lamb from some causes of infectious disease. Actions to improve lamb survival involve selecting animals with appropriate traits for the environment and the farm system, providing sufficient ewe nutrition, particularly in late pregnancy, and ensuring a quiet, clean lambing environment.
Manage ewes in late pregnancy in small groups, of 20-30 animals, allocating 2 m2/ewe.
Design lambing pens (2/1 m), one lambing pen for every 8 expecting pregnant ewe. Allow ewes to spend with their lamb(s) 24-48 hours for a proper dam-lamb bonding. Pay attention especially to primiparous and ewes with twins or triplets.
Air drafts should be kept lower than 0.4 m/s at lambing, air temperature between 5 to 18 °C, humidity ≤ 70%, lighting intensity should be higher than 100 lux with at least 8 h of light per day.
Use fresh clean straws bedding (0.5 kg) every day, and replace bedding from lambing pens before introducing new ewes.
The use of UV bulbs to help thermoregulation in week lambs improves survival rates.
Expected benefits: Reduction in lamb losses by 20%.
Prerequisites and/or limits: The use of lambing pens requires extra labour and initial costs with materials; Some minor investments should be done in UV bulbs, related costs with energy and thermometers to monitor shed conditions; Aspects such as temperature and humidity inside the shed are hard to control.
Oile fătate să fie întreţinute în adăpost în grupuri mici, de 20-30 de capete, alocând 2 m2 per oaie. Existenţa ţarcurilor de fătare (boxe de fătare), cu dimensiuni de 2/1 m, un ţarc prevăzut pentru fiecare 8 oi aflate în gestaţie avansată (ideal o boxă la 7 oi). Oile să fie menţinute cu mieii în ţarcul de fătare primele 72 de ore, în special mioarele şi oile cu fătări multiple, care se ţin în boxe până la 7 zile. Viteza curenţilor de are în adăpost nu trebuie să depăşească mai mult de 0,4 m/s, cu o temperatură optima între 5 şi 18 °C, umiditatea aerului ≤ 70%, o intensitate luminoasă de 100 lux şi un program de iluminat de minimum 8 ore per zi. Se recomandă utilizarea aşternutului de paie curate, alocând 0,5 kg pe zi, şi schimbarea acestuia inainte de introducerea altor oi. Utilizarea de becuri infra roşii pentru a evita hipotermia la mieii slăbiţi şi cei orfani ajută la scăderea ratelor de mortalitate în rândul acestora.
Beneficii estimate: Reducerea pierderilor prin mortalitate la miei cu 10%.
Cerințe preliminare şi/sau limitări: Utilizarea ţarcurilor pentru fătare necesită muncă suplimentară şi costuri iniţiale cu materialele din care sunt confecţionate; Investiţii minore cu electricitatea şi lampile pentru încălzire; Aspecte precum temperatura şi umiditatea din adăpost sunt greu de controlat la nivel de fermă.
Description: detection of the ewe (equipped with a RFID transponder) accepting mounting by the ram wearing a leather harness containing an Alpha-Detector.
- RFID transponder near the tail of the ewe, identifying the ewe that accepted mounting.
- Alpha-Detector (Alpha-D®) harness registering the ewe’s transponder number, with the date and time of mounting.
- Alpha-Reader (Alpha-R®) remotely collecting mounting data and analyzing them, in order to edit a list of mounted ewes (that should be mated).
Expected benefits: real-time monitoring of males and females’ sexual behavior. Heat detection to identify ewes that should be mated: planned natural mating or artificial insemination (AI) after male effect. Evaluation of ram’s libido.
Prerequisites and/or limits (knowledge, training, capabilities, cost, management, facilities, equipment, etc.)
- Prerequisites: RFID transponder for ewe identification, Alpha-Detector (Alpha-D®), Alpha Reader (Alpha-R®), computer with a dedicated software for data analysis.
- Limit: still in developmental phase. The RFID transponder must be located near the tail of the ewe.
References:
- Alhamada et al. 2016. Validation of automated electronic oestrus detection in sheep as an alternative to visual observation. Small Ruminant Res., 134: 97–104.
- Alhamada et al. 2017. An automated method for the evaluation of ram libido in real mating conditions. Animal, published online: 03 April 2017, 1-9
Description: détection de l’acceptation par la brebis (équipée d’une puce RFID) du chevauchement par un bélier portant un harnais détecteur.
- Puce RFID située au niveau de la queue de la brebis, permettant d’identifier la brebis lors du chevauchement.
- Harnais détecteur (Alpha-D®) qui enregistre le numéro de la puce de la brebis, avec la date et l’heure du chevauchement.
- Récepteur radio (Alpha-R®) qui collecte à distance les données de chevauchements puis les analyse et édite la liste des brebis chevauchées et devant être mises à la reproduction.
Bénéfices attendus : Suivre en temps réel l’activité sexuelle des brebis et des béliers. Repérer les brebis en chaleur, à mettre à la reproduction : accouplements programmés ou inséminations artificielles (IA) après effet mâle. Evaluer la libido des béliers.
Prérequis et/ou limites (Connaissance, formation, compétences, coût, conduite d’élevage, équipement, bâtiment, etc.)
- Prérequis : puce électronique d’identification de la brebis, harnais-détecteur Alpha-D®, récepteur radio Alpha-R®, PC avec le logiciel d’analyse des données.
- Limite : encore en phase de développement. La puce RFID doit être située au niveau de la queue de la brebis.
References:
- Alhamada et al. 2016. Validation of automated electronic oestrus detection in sheep as an alternative to visual observation. Small Ruminant Res., 134: 97–104.
- Alhamada et al. 2017. An automated method for the evaluation of ram libido in real mating conditions. Animal, published online: 03 April 2017, 1-9.
Description:
- The IgG colostrum concentration is estimated on farm with either:
o Brix refractometer (optical or digital)
o Colostrometer
- The colostrum sample should be done within 4 hours after lambing.
- a A4 sheet which describes how to the use these tools and proposes decision thresholds to grade colostrum quality from poor to excellent
Expected benefits: colostrum: selection of good quality colostrum to be kept frozen and to be delivered to lambs whose ewe does not have enough production. Improve the transfer of passive immunity in lambs.
Prerequisites and/or limits (knowledge, training, capabilities, cost, management, facilities, equipment, etc.): buying a brix refractometer (optical or digital), making colostrum samples shortly after lambing.
Description:
La concentration en IgG su colostrum peut être évaluée indirectement par l’utilisation
• D’un réfractomètre Brix (optique ou numérique)
• Un pèse colostrum
Le prélèvement de colostrum doit être réalisé dans les 4 heures suivants la mise-bas
Une fiche A4 décrit comment utiliser un réfractomètre Brix et un pèse colostrum pour évaluer la concentration en IgG du colostrum et propose des seuils d’interprétation pour différencier les colostrums selon leur qualité.
Bénéfices attendus :
La sélection de colostrums de bonne qualité pour la constitution d’une banque de colostrum pour les agneaux dont la mère à une faible production.
L’amélioration du transfert d’immunité passive chez l’agneau
Prérequis et/ou limites : achat d’un réfractomètre/ pèse colostrum. Prélever le colostrum rapidement après la mise-bas.
Description:
- Practical methodologies to perform:
o Fecal samples in sheep: who and when
o Pooled fecal samples analysis and how to interpret results
Description of the relationship between individual and pooled samples egg counts
Describe how the sample size may influence the risk of over or underestimation of the parasite burden.
Thresholds are proposed to decide when to treat.
- 2 A2 sheets, one video (tutorial) and powerpoint slides which describe methodologies
Expected benefits:
Accurate and affordable estimation of parasite burden using pooled samples fecal egg counts. Reduce analysis costs.
Reasoned and reduced use of anthelmintic treatments
Prerequisites and/or limits (knowledge, training, capabilities, cost, management, facilities, equipment, etc.): a trained diagnostic or veterinary laboratory is needed to diagnoses parasite species based on their eggs characteristics. Sampling materials are needed (gloves, tubes).
Description:
- Description pratique pour
o Réaliser des prélèvements de fèces chez les ovins : qui et quand prélever.
o Réaliser des coproscopies de mélange :
• Description de la relation entre coproscopie individuelles et coproscopie sur mélange de fèces
• Influence de la taille de l’échantillon sur le risque de sur ou de sous-estimer la situation parasitaire.
• Des seuils de décision pour la mise en place de traitements sont proposés.
•
- 2 fiches A4, une vidéo et une présentation powerpoint
Bénéfices attendus :
Estimation précision et à prix raisonnable de la situation parasitaire.
Utilité dans la mise en place de traitements raisonnés et moins nombreux.
Prérequis et/ou limites : Disposer d’un laboratoire d’analyse ou de vétérinaires capables de faire un diagnostic d’espèces parasitaires basé sur les caractéristiques des œufs. Du matériel est requis (gants, pots).
Ewe should be pregnancy scanned at approximately 80 days post ram introduction and grouped according to litter size (based on scanning) and expected date of lambing (raddle colour). Raddle colour should be changed frequently (e.g. weekly) during the breeding season thus enabling grouping in late gestation by expected lambing date. Forage should be analysed to develop a nutrition programme to meet the energy and protein requirements of the ewe, examples are given in the link below.
More information : http://www.sheepnet.network/node/216
Ewe should be pregnancy scanned at approximately 80 days post ram introduction and grouped according to litter size (based on scanning) and expected date of lambing (raddle colour). Raddle colour should be changed frequently (e.g. weekly) during the breeding season thus enabling grouping in late gestation by expected lambing date. Forage should be analysed to develop a nutrition programme to meet the energy and protein requirements of the ewe, examples are given in the link below.
More information : http://www.sheepnet.network/node/216
Therefore, to reduce lamb mortality due to poor care and feeding management of newborn lambs, it is necesary to make sure that new-born lambs consume a sufficient amount of colostrum at the optimal time, and keep good quality colostrum to feed orphaned lambs, lambs born from very prolific litters or abandoned lambs.
On the first day of life, lambs have to consume an amount of colostrum equal to 10% of their live weight. It is recommended to distribute that daily amount in a maximum of 4 doses, the first during the first 3 h of life, and then at around 8, 14 and 20 h.
Whenever the mother does not have enough colostrum, high quality colostrum should be collected from multiparous sheep after having fed their offspring. Sheep must be in a good condition, suitably fed, and vaccinated against the more frequent diseases within the flock or the geographical area.
- Milk the remaining colostrum to the sheep every 12 hours after lambing.
- Pack the colostrum in 250 ml containers and keep refrigerated (up to 2 days), Frozen (-18ºC up to 2 years, and unfreeze at less than 60ºC, since higher temperatures denature immunoglobulins), or pasteurized ( 56ºC for 30', to try to control Maedi-Visna disease).
The temperature of supply of colostrum is 35-40ºC.
Abdominal palpation of the lambs to check their condition (full / empty) is recomended.
Por lo tanto, para reducir la mortalidad de corderos debido a la mala atención y al manejo de la alimentación de los corderos recién nacidos, es necesario asegurarse de que consumen una cantidad suficiente de calostro en el momento óptimo, así como mantener calostro de buena calidad para alimentar a los corderos huérfanos, abandonados o a los nacidos de camadas muy prolíficas.
En el primer día de vida, los corderos deben consumir una cantidad de calostro igual al 10% de su peso vivo. Se recomienda distribuir esa cantidad diaria en un máximo de 4 dosis, la primera durante las primeras 3 h de vida, y luego alrededor de las 8, 14 y 20 h.
Siempre que la madre no tenga suficiente calostro, debe recolectarse calostro de alta calidad de ovejas multíparas después de haber alimentado a sus crías. Las ovejas deben estar en buenas condiciones, alimentadas adecuadamente y vacunadas contra las enfermedades más frecuentes dentro del rebaño o en el área geográfica.
- Ordeñar el calostro restante a las ovejas cada 12 horas después del parto.
- Envasar el calostro en recipientes de 250 ml y mantenerlo refrigerado (hasta 2 días), congelado (a -18ºC hasta 2 años y descongelar a menos de 60ºC, ya que las temperaturas más altas desnaturalizan las inmunoglobulinas), o pasteurizado (a 56ºC durante 30', para tratar de controlar la enfermedad de Maedi-Visna).
La temperatura de suministro del calostro es de 35-40ºC.
Se recomienda la palpación abdominal de los corderos para verificar su estado (lleno / vacío)
Ewes may fail to become pregnant because they are not mated or because they are unable to conceive after mating or AI. In addition, ewes may not maintain the pregnancy or lose some or all of their fetuses during pregnancy. A ewe may not be mated because she is not in the right condition to breed (e.g. due to ill health or age), because she is not cycling, or because the ram is not able to serve the ewe (e.g. due to ill health, libido or too many ewes). Ewes may not conceive because of poor egg or semen quality, stress (e.g. heat or handling), or pathology. Poor prolificacy in ewes can occur because of insufficient energy in the diet at breeding, poor body condition score, age, early embryo death or poor management of AI.
Each farm or flock may have different risk factors and prevalence for different causes of low fertility. Identifying the main reasons and risk factors for infertility are key steps in developing mitigation strategies. Recording fertility data and identifying when and why sheep do not lamb will help to improve reproduction efficiency.
Ewes may fail to become pregnant because they are not mated or because they are unable to conceive after mating or AI. In addition, ewes may not maintain the pregnancy or lose some or all of their fetuses during pregnancy. A ewe may not be mated because she is not in the right condition to breed (e.g. due to ill health or age), because she is not cycling, or because the ram is not able to serve the ewe (e.g. due to ill health, libido or too many ewes). Ewes may not conceive because of poor egg or semen quality, stress (e.g. heat or handling), or pathology. Poor prolificacy in ewes can occur because of insufficient energy in the diet at breeding, poor body condition score, age, early embryo death or poor management of AI.
Each farm or flock may have different risk factors and prevalence for different causes of low fertility. Identifying the main reasons and risk factors for infertility are key steps in developing mitigation strategies. Recording fertility data and identifying when and why sheep do not lamb will help to improve reproduction efficiency.
- young sheep at the first lambing, or
- after a difficult lambing, or
- sheep with several lambs,
In order to facilitate the mother-lamb bond and avoid mis-mothering, it can be useful to prepare individual penning arrangements of around 2 m2, or in any case to allocate a small batch of sheep (another 2 more sheep) to try to guarantee that mothers recognize and take care of their offspring.
Susceptible sheep should be introduced within these arrangements at the time of lambing, where they should remain together with their lambs during the first 12-24 h after the lambing in order to facilitate mutual recognition.
A decrease in lamb mortality and labour requirements is expected, although space and barriers need to be available.
- ovejas jóvenes en el primer parto, o
- después de un parto difícil, o
- ovejas con varios corderos,
Para facilitar el vínculo madre-cordero y evitar el abandono de la madre, puede ser útil disponer de cubículos individuales o zonas de alrededor de 2 m2, o en cualquier caso ubicarlas en pequeños lote de ovejas (otras 2 ovejas más) para tratar de garantizar que las madres reconozcan y cuiden a sus crías.
Las ovejas susceptibles deben introducirse dentro de estos cubículos en el momento del parto, donde deben permanecer juntas con sus corderos durante las primeras 12-24 h después del parto para facilitar el reconocimiento mutuo.
Se espera una disminución en la mortalidad de los corderos y los requisitos de mano de obra, aunque es necesario disponer de espacio suficiente en la cuadra y de barreras.
Description:
- 44 pages document to remind the main health risks facing lambs and the preventive measures to control them indoor.
- Tools to provide the latest recommendations in terms of design and maintenance of shed according to the age of the lambs (and therefore the potential risks).
Expected benefits: better design and hygiene of shed and ultimately reduce the risk of lamb infections.
Prerequisites and/or limits: the support of a specialized technician remains essential to modulate advices according to the situation of the herd.
Description:
- Document de 44 pages visant à rappeler les principaux risques sanitaires auxquels les agneaux sont confrontés et les mesures de prévention visant à les maîtriser en bergerie.
- Outils permettant d’apporter les dernières recommandations en terme de conception et d’entretien des bergeries suivant l’âge des agneaux (et donc les risques potentiels).
Bénéfices attendus : une meilleure conception et hygiène des bergeries et in fine, une réduction des risques d’infection des agneaux.
Prérequis et/ou limites : l’appui d’un technicien spécialisé reste incontournable pour moduler les conseils en fonction de la situation de l’élevage.
This feeding management should last after the critical time of implantation of the embryos is over (19 days after the mating, approximately). An increase in 10-20% in fertility rates and prolificacy, and a more concentrated lambing season, maybe achieved.
However, education, regular practice or training of farmers regarding BCS assessment is required, as welll as facilities to be able to manage sheeps individually for the assessment, or allotments for feeding in batches. Feeding costs may increase (for purchased concentrates) or on-farm high quality feedstuff resources are needed (pastures, crops, etc.).
Este manejo de la alimentación debe durar después de que finalice el tiempo crítico de implantación de los embriones (19 días después de la cubrición, aproximadamente). Así, se puede lograr un aumento del 10-20% en las tasas de fertilidad y prolificidad, y una mayor concentración de los partos.
Sin embargo, los ganaderos requieren formación, práctica regular o capacitación con respecto a la evaluación de la CC, así como instalaciones para poder manejar las ovejas individualmente para su evaluación, o para distribuir a los animales en lotes de alimentación diferentes. Los costes de alimentación pueden aumentar (por los concentrados comprados) o se necesitan recursos de alimentos de alta calidad en la explotación (pastos, cultivos, etc.).
Lambs birth weight influences significantly the survival rates and it is moderately heritable (0.35-0.40), as a result could be used as a selection trait. Birth weight of lambs is decidedly influenced by ewe nutrition during pregnancy and breed related factors. The optimum birth weight depends on the adult weight of that breeds, with a threshold for birth weight of 3.5-4 kg/lamb.
Large lambs are problematic, and might cause difficult lambing’s and dystocia. This is frequently when crossing large size meat breeds with smaller sized breeds. Lambs born with low body weights should not be kept for reproduction, and their dams should be considered for culling.
Lambs born as twins and triplets have usually with 20-40% lower body weights, compared to those born as singletons. Farmers should register birth weights for 20-30% of the lambs born, in order to assess their late gestation feeding management and take decisions for the following year.
Expected benefits: Reduction in lamb losses caused by low birth weights.
Prerequisites and/or limits: Lamb birth weight could be used as a selection trait within the farm, given the moderately to high heritability and ease of assessment by farmer.
Greutatea mieilor la fătare influenţează semnificativ ratele acestora de supravieţuire, având o heritabilitate medie (0,35-0,40), drept urmare, putând să fie aplicată selecţia. Greutatea la naştere este influenţată de factori precum nutriţia oii mame şi rasă. Greutatea optima la fătare depinde foarte mult de greutatea medie a rasei, şi este de dorit ca mielul la fătare să cântărească la fătare mai mult de 3,5-4 kg. Mieii cu greutate corporală prea mare pot să cauzeze distocii. Acest lucru se poate întâmpla in momentul în care oi din rase cu dezvoltare corporală redusă sunt încrucişate cu berbeci din rase de carne. Mieii care sunt născuţi cu greutăţi corporale reduse, nu se opresc pentru prăsilă, iar oile care fată miei mici se recomandă să fie reformate. Mieii din fătări duble sau triple au o dezvoltare corporală mai mica cu 20-30% faţă de mieii din fătări simple. Se recomandă ca fermierii să înregistreze greutatea la fătare la 20-30% din mieii născuţi în fermă, pentru a evalua eficienţa nutriţiei oilor în timpul gestaţiei, în vederea luării de decizii pentru următorul sezon reproductiv.
Beneficii estimate: Reducerea pierderilor prin mortalitate la miei cu 20%.
Cerințe preliminare şi/sau limitări: Greutatea la fătare poate să reprezinte o însuşire pentru selecţie, ţinând cont de implicaţiile derivate şi uşurinţa înregistrării acestor date la nivel de fermă.
La întreţinerea pe păşune, oile gestante trebuie să aibe acces la păşuni de calitate, cu o structură floristică recomandată de 40% leguminoase şi 60% graminee, şi o înălţime a covorului vegetal de 8-12 cm, pentru a permite consumul a 5-7 kg masă verde pe zi.
Schimbările regimului alimentar să fie făcut gradual, în cca. 6-8 zile. Se recomandă ca oile pe parcursul gestaţiei să ia în greutate între 8 şi 14 kg, pentru a permite o dezvoltare normală a fetusului şi placentei. Oile gestante aflate în stabulaţie pot să fie hrănite cu 1,5-3 kg de fân, 1,5-2 kg siloz şi 0,1-0,5 kg concentrate pe zi, în funcţie de condiţia corporală. Oile aflate în gestaţie avansată îşi reduc consumul voluntar de hrană cu 25-30%, datorită gradului de dezvoltare al fetusului cu 3-4 săptămâni înainte de fătare.
Beneficii estimate: Monitorizarea şi evaluarea calităţii nutriţiei în perioada de gestaţie pot reduce pierderile prin avort şi permit o dezvoltare optimă a mieilor.
Cerințe preliminare şi/sau limitări: Crescătorii trebuie să furajeze animalele ţinând cont de condiţia corporală a acestora şi să monitorizeze greutatea corporală a oilor. Oile trebuiesc întreţinute în grupuri de 40-60 capete, în funcţie de vârstă, tipul de gestaţie şi greutate corporală.
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/87
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/87
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/91
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/91
Description:
- This tool is in A2 sheet and is intended to be displayed in the breeders' office and / or their shed.
- It describes chronologically the essential practices for good sheep productivity and serves as a reminder to help the farmer organize / plan his work.
- Key practices focus on the management of animals during wrestling, gestation, lambing and the first month of life of lambs.
Expected benefits:
A better organization and planning of farmers’ work
Prerequisites and/or limits (knowledge, training, capabilities, cost, management, facilities, equipment, etc.): this sheet is only a basic reminder, the implementation of good practices requires more precise knowledge and skills.
Description:
- Planning mural à destination des éleveurs à mettre en bergerie ou dans le bureau,
- Il décrit de façon chronologique les pratiques incontournables pour une bonne productivité ovine et sert, de faite, d’aide-mémoire pour aider l’éleveur à organiser/planifier son travail.
- Les pratiques clés portent sur la conduite des animaux à la lutte, la gestation, à l’agnelage et le 1er mois de vie des agneaux.
Bénéfices attendus : un suivi plus rigoureux du troupeau et une amélioration de la productivité ovine.
Prérequis et/ou limites : ce support ne peut servir que de « pense-bête », la mise en œuvre des bonnes pratiques préconisées nécessitent d’autres connaissances.
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/90
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/90
If there is no suspicion of the specific process, the following samples should be collected and sent to the laboratory: fetus, placenta, vaginal swabs, maternal serum and whole blood, together with the full case history.
Samples must be collected as clean as possible, and sent refrigerated in sealed, resistant and waterproof containers.
Samples must be collected and sent to the lab as soon as possible; 10-15 days later, serum from the same sheep should be collected and analyzed again to check the possible existence of seroconversions.
The following clean material is required for the collection of samples: swabs, vacuum blood collection tubes, plastic bags, refrigerator, etc.
Si no existe una sospecha del proceso específico, se deben recoger y enviar al laboratorio muestras de: feto, placenta, frotis vaginales, suero materno y sangre completa, junto con el historial completo del caso.
Las muestras deben recogerse lo más limpias posible y enviarse refrigeradas en recipientes sellados, resistentes e impermeables.
Las muestras deben recogerse y enviarse al laboratorio tan pronto como sea posible; 10-15 días después, se debe recolectar y analizar nuevamente el suero de la misma oveja para verificar la posible existencia de seroconversiones.
Se requiere el siguiente material limpio para la recolección de muestras: hisopos, tubos de extracción de sangre al vacío, bolsas de plástico, refrigerador, etc.
Before lambings: The barn must be cleaned and disinfected with bleach, lime or any commercial disinfectant.
During lambings: keep the bedding as clean and dry as possible, usually with new straw or with any other drying material; Continuous removal of placentas.
After lambings: the bedding must be removed and the barn cleaned and disinfected.
These measures will allow achieving a lower presence and spread of pathogenic agents, and therefore lower risk of health hazards and lamb mortality.
Antes de los partos: El establo debe limpiarse y desinfectarse con lejía, cal o cualquier desinfectante comercial.
Durante los partos: hay que mantener la cama lo más limpia y seca posible, generalmente con paja nueva o con cualquier otro material de secado; Hay que proceder a la eliminación continua de las placentas.
Después de los partos: se debe retirar la cama y el establo debe limpiarse y desinfectarse.
Estas medidas permitirán lograr una menor presencia y propagación de agentes patógenos y, por lo tanto, un menor riesgo de problemas para la salud y la mortalidad del cordero.
Regarding males: Optimal age ranges from 20-24 months to 7 years-old; the reproductive organs (testicles, penis and foreskin) should be assessed: no injuries, or signs of infections; The testicles should be firm, elastic and of good size (> 35 cm); Any treatment (vaccination, deworming or shearing), before starting the mating season; Balanced feeding, and mineral corrector with ammonium chloride in a 1.25-1.5% to avoid urolithiasis;ideally, semen samples should be taken and assessed in a laboratory the quality of the sperm.
For sheep, the optimal age ranges from 7 months to 7 years-old, and mating should happen at least 2-4 months after the last lambing; sheep should not be dried during the cycle previous or after the start of the matings; minimal BCS=2,5 and gaining weight at the matings, and any managmente or treatment (vaccination, deworming or shearing), at least 3 weeks before or 3 weeks after starting the mating season.
The objective of a proper management of reproductive sheep is to decrease the number of non-productive sheep and to concentrate the lambings. To do so, it is important to allow enough space to manage different batches of animals, and to devote some labour and resources (feeding).
Respecto a los machos, la edad óptima oscila entre los 20-24 meses y los 7 años. Se deben evaluar los órganos reproductivos (testículos, pene y prepucio): que no haya lesiones o signos de infección. Los testículos deben ser firmes, elásticos y de buen tamaño (> 35 cm). Cualquier tratamiento (vacunación, desparasitación o esquileo) se debe realizar antes de comenzar la temporada de cubriciones. La alimentación debe ser equilibrada y el corrector mineral con cloruro de amonio en un 1.25-1.5% para evitar la urolitiasis. Idealmente, convendría tomar muestras de semen y evaluar en un laboratorio la calidad de los espermatozoides.
Para las ovejas, la edad óptima varía de 7 meses a 7 años, y el apareamiento debe ocurrir al menos 2-4 meses después del último parto; las ovejas no deben secarse durante el ciclo anterior o posterior al inicio de los apareamientos. La CC mínima debe ser 2,5 y estar ganando peso durante la cubrición; cualquier tratamiento o manejo (vacunación, desparasitación o esquileo), se debe hacer al menos 3 semanas antes o 3 semanas después de comenzar las cubriciones.
El objetivo de un manejo adecuado de los ovinos reproductores es disminuir el número de ovinos no productivos y concentrar los partos. Para hacerlo, es importante dejar suficiente espacio para manejar diferentes lotes de animales y dedicar algo de trabajo y recursos (alimentación).
Skills and availabilities should cover:
- feeding requirements and management of sheep prior to lambing;
- Recognition of the signs of an imminent lambing, possible presentations of the lambs at birth, and procedures to follow.
- Identification of toxemia, mastitis and hypocalcemia.
- Management of newborn lambs, feeding with a suitable amount of colostrum, disinfection of the umbilical cord.
- Recording technical data, lambings, number of lambs born, lamb mortality...
- Designate a trained member of the staff as responsible for the group.
The knowledge of experts (veterinary services, advisors, etc.) or the availability of ad hoc material (templates, leaflets, etc.) may be useful for this purspose.
Las habilidades y capacidades deben cubrir:
- requisitos de alimentación y manejo de las ovejas antes del parto;
- Reconocimiento de los signos de un parto inminente, posibles presentaciones de los corderos al nacer y procedimientos a seguir.
- Identificación de toxemia, mastitis e hipocalcemia.
- Manejo de corderos recién nacidos, alimentación con una cantidad adecuada de calostro, desinfección del cordón umbilical.
- Registro de datos técnicos, partos, número de corderos nacidos, mortalidad de corderos ...
- Designar a un miembro capacitado del personal como responsable del grupo.
El conocimiento de expertos (servicios veterinarios, asesores, etc.) o la disponibilidad de material ad hoc (plantillas, folletos, etc.) puede ser útil para este propósito.
Description:
- What is implemented: definition of a standardized differential diagnosis of abortions (priority diseases, analyses conducted, elected matrix, targeted females, interpretation keys) and in the field, promotion of a diagnostic kits to facilitate early diagnosis of the etiology of abortive series
- How is implemented: providing sampling kits i.e. ready to use standardized boxes with specification sheets, all necessary materials, refrigeration unit…
available to veterinarians and, where appropriate, material left to the breeders (swabs in particular)
- When is it implemented: in case of series of abortions (in France: at least three abortions over seven days or less)
Expected benefits: improved elucidation rates, control of costs (analysis and health management measures more specific), comparability of results
Prerequisites and/or limits (knowledge, training, capabilities, cost, management, facilities, equipment, etc.)
- multi-stakeholder consultation on methodological orientations (including the choices to harmonize and optimize the procedures at all stages, from the herd to the laboratory) and rules of interpretation
- development of a collective organization: laboratories, veterinarians, breeders
- dissemination and training (all actors in the field)
- joint procurements to reduce the costs
Description:
- Mise en œuvre : définition d’une démarche standardisée de diagnostic différentiel des avortements (priorisation des maladies à rechercher, nature des analyses à conduire, des matrices à étudier, chois des animaux à prélever, grilles d’interprétation des résultats) et sur le terrain, promotion de boites de diagnostic pour faciliter un diagnostic précoce en cas de séries abortives
- Comment : fourniture de kits de prélèvements comportant des fiches explicatives, le matériel nécessaire, des packs de réfrigération,… et mise à disposition des vétérinaires (matériel supplémentaire laissé aux éleveurs, si besoin)
- Quand : utilisation en cas de séries abortives (3 avortements au moins en 7 jours ou moins)
Bénéfices attendus : amélioration des taux d’élucidation, maîtrise des coûts analytiques et des mesures de maîtrise, comparabilité des résultats
Prérequis et/ou limites (Connaissance, formation, compétences, coût, conduite d’élevage, équipement, bâtiment, etc.)
- Consultation de l’ensemble des partenaires (état, chercheurs, vétérinaires, laboratoires, groupements de défense sanitaire,…) sur les orientations méthodologiques et pratiques (dont harmonisation et optimisation des procédures à chaque étape ),
- Développement d’une organisation collective : laboratoires, vétérinaires, éleveurs
- Diffusion, communication, formation (pour tous les acteurs de terrain)
- Achats groupés pour réduire les coûts
Acidosis occurs when is a marked decrease in rumen pH due to feeding high levels of concentrate in one feed or inadequate forage, or even too much finely ground cereals. This causes a decline in fibre digestion, lower feed intake and reduced performance. To avoid the disease, concentrates should never be feed more than 0.5 kg/feed, while cereals should not be over-processed.
Calcium deficiency (hypocalcaemia) in late pregnancy due to sharp increase in calcium requirement. To avoid this disease, calcium levels should be kept at about 0.9% in the concentrate feed in late pregnancy. Signs of the disorder are paralysis in the hindquarters and partial loss of consciousness. Treatments is made by administering 50 to 80 ml/day of calcium borogluconate injected under the skin.
Grass staggers (hypomagnesaemia) is caused by magnesium by ewes consuming lush heavily fertilised spring grasses. This disease can be prevented by avoiding high nitrogen and potassium fertilisers on spring grazing, by feeding hay and by providing rock salt and/or magnesium supplements. In the concentrates, 0.7 % magnesium should be included, or extra magnesium in the mineral feeds provided.
Expected benefits: Reduced abortion incidence caused by metabolic diseases and ewe loss.
Toxiemia de gestaţie a oilor (boala mieilor gemeni), afectează oile foarte grase sau cele extrem de slabe, precum şi animalele care au gestaţie dublă, riscul şi factorul cauzator fiind insuficienţa de aport glucidic şi energetic.
Acidoza ruminală apare la ovine când există o scădere a PH-ului ruminal, în principal datorită consumului ridicat de furaje concentrate, sau măcinarea furajelor concentrate prea fin. Acest lucru duce la scăderea digestiei, scăderea apetitului şi reducerea performanţelor productive. Pentru a preîntâmpina acest fapt, furajele concentrate nu trebuiesc administrate în cantităţi mai mari de 0,5 kg per tain, şi prin evitarea măcinării prea fine a furajelor.
Deficienţa de calciu în ultima parte a gestaţiei datorată creşterii necesarului de calciu în organismul matern. Pentru a evita această afecţiune, nivelul calciului în raţie trebuie să reprezinte cca. 0,9% din structura amestecului de concentrate.
Tetania hipomagneziemică este cauzată la ovinele care păşunează pe terenuri unde au fost aplicate cantităţi mari de fertilizanţi. Această boală poate să fie evitată prin aplicarea de fertilizanţi pe bază de azot şi potasiu în cantităţi mai reduse, şi evitarea păşunatului cand covorul vegetal este într-o fază incipientă de înverzire. De asemenea, furajarea cu fân inainte de accesul animalelor pe păşune ajută, precum şi administratea de săruri cu minerale şi suplimentarea raţiei cu magneziu.
More information: http://sheepnet.network/node/88
More information: http://sheepnet.network/node/88
More information: http://sheepnet.network/node/92
More information: http://sheepnet.network/node/92
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/86
More information : http://sheepnet.network/node/86
Description:
- In sheep farming, trans-abdominal ultrasound scanning is a practical and efficient approach for pregnancy detection, with the better performance/cost ratio. From 40-45 days of pregnancy, pregnancy status can be established. Counting foetuses, foetal aging or detection of abnormalities are also possible.
- The scanners, more and more improved, allows levels of resolution which facilitate the reading and acquisition of information.
- The result, immediately available (ewes marking or sorting, expected fertility and prolificacy), allows a better management of pregnant ewes.
- For a better management of the reproductive career of the ewes, a record of the scanning is recommended (for ex. To cull ewes non pregnant 2 times). Tools using RFID can facilitate this registration
Expected benefits: a monitoring of pregnancy for identification of non-pregnant ewes or better management of ewes according to litter size or gestation stage.
Prerequisites and/or limits : Have an adapted scanner for sheep and a suitable system of restraint. The operator have to be well trained and with sufficient practice. At the farm level, record the information in a sheepfold book to have a reasoned management of the non-pregnant ewes.
Description:
- En élevage ovin, l’échographie par voie trans-abdominale constitue une méthode de diagnostic de gestation pratique et efficace, présentant le meilleur rapport performance/coût. Dès 40-45 jours de gestation, il est possible d’établir un constat de gestation (brebis gestante ou non). Le dénombrement des fœtus, l’estimation du stade de gestation ou la détection d’anomalies sont aussi possibles.
- Le matériel (échographe + sondes) de plus en plus perfectionné permet des niveaux de résolution facilitant la lecture et d’acquisition de l’information.
- Les résultats, disponibles immédiatement (marquage ou tri des brebis, fertilité et prolificité attendus), permettent d’adapter la conduite des brebis.
- Pour une gestion optimisée de la carrière de reproduction des brebis, un enregistrement du résultat est recommandé (ex. réforme des brebis vides 2 fois de suite…). Les outils valorisant la RFID peuvent faciliter cet enregistrement.
Bénéfices attendus : un suivi de la gestation pour un repérage des brebis non gestantes ou une gestion des brebis en fonction du stade de gestation ou de la taille de portée
Prérequis et/ou limites : disposer du matériel (échographe + sonde adaptée) et d’un système de contention adapté. Avoir recours à une personne formée et ayant suffisamment de pratique. Au niveau de l’élevage, enregistrer l’information dans un carnet de bergerie de façon à avoir une gestion raisonnée des brebis vides.
At 6-7 days of age lambs should be creep-fed with lamb starters (fine grounded cereals or pelleted feed), assuring 16 to 18% crude protein (ad libitum). Use creep-pens (15-20% of the sheds surface) or lamb creep feeders, and adjust them based on the body development of lambs. Starting 14 days of age, lambs should be provided with high quality hay (Alfalfa or red clover) and an accessible source of water. Creep feed especially lambs born as twins or triplets, and those from ewes with low milk yield. Farmers should plan and purchase the feed needed for lambs until the age of weaning or their movement to grazing. If pelleted feed is being used, farmers should choose ones which contain coccidiostatics and buffers to balance the pH of the rumen.
Expected benefits: Improved growth rates (+20-30%) and vigour in un-weaned lambs. Throughout the use of creep feeding the weaning weights are higher, lamb mortality lower and age at weaning could be reduced.
Prerequisites and/or limits: Farmers need to purchase pelleted feed, which implies extra costs and also to buy or produce high quality hay. Extra costs and labour are needed for installing creep-pens inside the shed.
Începând cu vârsta de 3-4 săptămâni, mieii pot să înceapă să consume furaje concentrate (peleţi tip starter sau concentrate fin măcinate), cu un nivel proteic recomandat de 16-18%, administrare la discreţie. Începând cu vârsta de 14 zile, mieii încep să consume fân (lucernă sau trifoi roşu). Mieii trebuie să aibe acces la mielar (15-20% din suprafaţa adăpostului) sau la hrănitoare speciale, cu ajustări ale barelor de restricţie a oilor, în funcţie de dezvoltarea corporala a mieilor. Se recomandă furajarea suplimentară în special în cazul mieilor proveniţi din fătări multiple, precum şi cei proveniţi de la oi mame cu o producţie scăzută de lapte. Dacă fermierul optează pentru furajarea cu furaj brichetat, se recomandă ca acesta să conţină înglobat în structură coccidiostatice şi substanţe care acţionează ca tampon al ph-ului ruminal.
Beneficii estimate: Sporirea ratelor de creştere la miei cu 20-30%. Prin utilizarea furajării suplimentare a mieilor, creşte greutatea corporală la înţărcare şi scad ratele de pierderi prin mortalitate în efectiv.
Cerințe preliminare şi/sau limitări : Costuri suplimentare cu achiziţionarea de furaje brichetate pentru miei; Instalarea mielarelor pentru miei necesită muncă suplimentară, iar achizionarea de hrănitoare pentru miei reprezintă o investiţie suplimentară în fermă.
More information: http://sheepnet.network/node/85
More information: http://sheepnet.network/node/85
- Necessary vaccination from the local authorities introduced with a booklet and brochures for a 1 production year.
- A common vaccination data for general sheep production that is provided as a PDF and the main limitations for vaccination will be underlined for critic periods (gestation, AI etc). Increased flock health and less incidence of infectious diseases are the expected benefits.
sürü sağlık düzeyinin iyileşmesi ekfeksiyöz hastalık görülme sıklığını azaltacak ve böylece beklenen fayda artacaktır.
Çözümün uygulaması 3 aşamadan oluşmaktadır;
- Bölgede görülen yaygın hastalıklar ile ilgili hasta hayvanı tedavi etme/izole etme veya itlaf etme ile ilgili karar verme konularını içeren açıklamalı bir poster
- 1 yıllık üretim döngüsü boyunca yapılacak aşıların yerel otoriteler tarafından hazırlanan bir kitapçık/broşür şeklinde sunulması
- Kritik dönemlerde (gebelik, suni tohumlama vs) aşılamadaki sınırlamaları ve genel koyun yetiştirirciliğinde yaygın olarak yapılması gereken aşıları içeren bir PDF dokumanı takip edilmelidir
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Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" gavojdian_dinu@animalsci-tm.ro Researcher