Photo AI
Compare two named sheep production enterprises that are commonly practised in Ireland - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2020
Question 3
Compare two named sheep production enterprises that are commonly practised in Ireland. Preparation at breeding time is an important aspect of good flock management.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Compare two named sheep production enterprises that are commonly practised in Ireland - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2020
Step 1
Compare two named sheep production enterprises that are commonly practised in Ireland.
Answer
In Ireland, two common sheep production enterprises are Mountain Sheep Production and Lowland Sheep Production.
-
Mountain Sheep Production: This production system is characterized by low stocking rates, which is essential for maintaining the health of sheep in rugged terrains. It typically involves outdoor grazing and targets high-quality lamb products, including named breeds known for their resilience. However, it faces challenges such as high mortality rates among lambs and limitations on labor availability due to rough weather conditions.
-
Lowland Sheep Production: In contrast, this system benefits from higher stocking densities and intensive management practices. It focuses on producing lambs that meet specific market criteria, utilizing indoor housing during harsh weather, and employing better feeding practices, which can lead to lower mortality rates. This method also involves managed grazing practices that enhance pasture quality.
In summary, Mountain Sheep Production emphasizes outdoor, extensive grazing with a focus on lamb quality, while Lowland Sheep Production uses intensive management with higher productivity and controlled environments.
Step 2
Discuss any four aspects of flock preparation prior to mating.
Answer
Flock preparation at breeding time is crucial to ensure a successful mating season. The following four aspects are critical for effective flock management:
-
Flock Health Assessment: Evaluating the overall health of the flock is essential, including checking for any diseases or deficiencies that could affect fertility. A rigorous health assessment should be conducted at least a month prior to the breeding season.
-
Condition Scoring: Monitoring the body condition of ewes is vital; they should ideally be within a specific weight range. Farmers should assess each ewe’s body score and manage nutrition to achieve appropriate conditions for mating, generally aiming for scores between 3 and 3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5.
-
Flushing: This is a practice of increasing the nutritional intake of ewes in the weeks leading up to breeding to stimulate ovulation. Providing high-energy feed can enhance fertility rates and lambing percentages.
-
Ram Selection: Choosing the right rams is critical, as they should be fertile, healthy, and genetically superior. A thorough examination of the rams should be done, including fertility tests, to ensure they contribute positively to the flock’s genetics and productivity.
Step 3
Describe any four methods to control named parasites in sheep.
Answer
Controlling internal and external parasites is essential for maintaining sheep health and productivity. Here are four effective methods for parasite control:
-
Drenching: Administering a drench to combat internal parasites such as stomach worms is crucial. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and ensure effective coverage of all sheep in the flock to minimize reinfection.
-
Vaccination: Regular vaccinations against specific parasites, such as lungworm, can significantly reduce the incidence of disease. Consult a veterinarian to create a vaccination schedule appropriate for the flock.
-
Rotational Grazing: Implementing a rotational grazing system can limit the exposure of sheep to parasites in the pasture. By rotating sheep between different grazing areas, the life cycle of parasites can be interrupted, reducing the risk of infection.
-
Shearing: Regular shearing of sheep helps control external parasites such as ticks and lice. Keeping wool short minimizes habitats for these parasites, ensuring better health and well-being for the flock.