Good summer and autumn grass growth has led to high scanning percentages, with the majority of ewes carrying twins or triplets.

However, despite the grazing season being extended this autumn, farmers are being advised that the nutritional value of grass will be declining and therefore relying on grass to maintain ewe’s body condition score (BCS) is likely to not be an option.

Bryn Hughes, beef and sheep national manager at Wynnstay, says high percentages are a welcomed change from last year’s results, however, he advises farmers that they should review the management of ewes.

“Last year perhaps some farmers got away with feeding a little less, but on the whole with ewes carrying more lambs this year, ewe management will need to change,” says Mr Hughes.

He advises that all ewes should be body condition scored (BCS) at scanning. Farmers then have a month’s window to alter the BCS and ensure ewes are in optimal health to prevent problems at lambing and during gestation.

Lowland ewes should be lambing at a BCS of around 3.5 and hill ewes between 2.5 and 3.

Mr Hughes further explains that a change in BCS of 1 is equivalent to a 10% change in bodyweight, and as forage quality and quantity decreases over the next three to four weeks, a drastic change in BCS can put ewes and their lambs under stress – reinforcing the need to supplement ewes with additional feed to maintain their condition.

Around 70% of a lamb’s birthweight is put on in the last six weeks, advises Mr Hughes. He adds that as lambing approaches, a ewe’s feed requirement almost doubles.

“As more ewes are carrying doubles and triplets, additional feed will further need to be fed to ensure they receive the correct nutrition to maximise colostrum and rear healthy lambs.

“Depending on the quality of forage, farmers have three main supplementary feeds to choose from. The first being to put ewes on roots, the second to give high energy lick buckets or blocks, and the third to feed compound feeds like cake,” he explains.

Good quality supplements will help increase protein and energy in the ration, to make up for reduced quality forage throughout winter.

“For compound feeds, you should be aiming for around 12.5 MJ/kg of dry matter to meet the increasing demands of a ewe in late pregnancy.

“Reaching and maintaining the optimal body condition score for ewes at lambing will ultimately result in better colostrum quality, increased milkiness, and better survivability.”