SHEEP farmers are being urged to pay close attention to mineral and trace element supplementation in ewes and lambs this spring and summer following what has been described as a particularly difficult winter.
The warning comes from Rumenco technical services manager Dr Alison Bond, who said a combination of forage shortages, heavy rainfall and the use of brassica crops had created nutritional challenges for many flocks.
She said some sheep farms had faced a “perfect storm” of conditions which could leave animals at risk of underlying deficiencies, even where there were no obvious outward signs.
According to Dr Bond, these hidden shortages can affect important factors including ewe milk production, lamb growth rates and the future condition of breeding sheep.
She said forage supplies had already been put under pressure by a dry summer, leaving some farms relying on lower quality fodder or greater use of grazed forage crops such as swedes, turnips and forage rape.
Those crops, she warned, can create particular risks around iodine, vitamin B1 and trace minerals including copper, selenium and cobalt.
Heavy rainfall over the winter was also said to have increased soil nutrient leaching, particularly on lighter ground, potentially adding to mineral deficiencies in early season grazing.
Dr Bond said one way to address the problem was to provide ewes and lambs at grass with mineral and trace element supplements to cover the main risk areas.
She highlighted the importance of key vitamins and minerals in maintaining flock health, supporting lamb growth and protecting ewe condition during lactation.
Particular concern was raised over vitamin B1 deficiency, which can be linked to brassica grazing and may lead to cerebrocortical necrosis, a condition with symptoms including blindness, head pressing and “stargazing”.
Brassica crops can also interfere with iodine absorption, potentially affecting thyroid function and leading to goitre in sheep.
Dr Bond said ensuring flocks received the right nutritional support should be seen not only as a response to short-term challenges, but as an investment in future performance.
She added that keeping ewes in good condition during lactation was an important step towards successful tupping later in the year and a healthy lamb crop in 2027.
