OviCast

With lambing season well underway, we catch up with Dr. Nóirín McHugh to discuss how to identify and select the best ewe lambs as future replacements, and what genetics we are introducing into the flock.
Nóirín explains how genetics influences a wide range of production and behavioural traits — from litter size and lambing ease to mothering ability and lamb vigour — as well as their role in reducing undesirable issues such as prolapse and lameness.

We also explore how observations made during lambing can be used to make more informed replacement decisions, helping to drive long-term flock performance. 

Finally, Nóirín outlines what to watch for as the season progresses, ensuring that selection decisions made now continue to deliver benefits throughout the year

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

The Teagasc Sheep Sector Roadmap 2030 outlines a strategic plan for Ireland's 34,000+ sheep farmers to enhance sustainability, productivity, and profitability.  
This week we’re joined by Dr Philip Creighton, Sheep Enterprise Leader, and Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, to discuss this in more detail. 

We look at the current profile and performance of the sector, key economic metrics, and the targets set out for the industry to 2030. 

Michael and Philip also outline the economic, social and environmental challenges facing sheep farming, and the role research, knowledge transfer and on-farm innovation will play in helping the sector progress towards the roadmap’s target

For more, go to: 
https://teagasc.ie/wp-content/uploads/uploads/media/website/publications/2026/Sheep-Road-Map-2030.pdf

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Lambing is in full swing on many farms across the country and for this episode of OviCast, Damian Costello steps in to host and is joined by Ciaran Lynch to discuss the key messages from the March sheep newsletter. 
They cover spring grazing targets, fertiliser planning, lamb survival and colostrum management, treating hypothermic lambs, flock biosecurity, culling problem ewes, identifying replacement ewe lambs, and managing the risk of grass tetany in early lactation.

For more from the newsletter:
https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/teagasc-advisory-newsletter-sheep/
 
For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With current weather conditions creating significant challenges on farms, this episode focuses on practical management strategies to support flock performance.
 
We’re joined by Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, to discuss key actions farmers can take during difficult weather. 
 
The conversation covers a range of important topics including maintaining hygiene standards, managing group pens effectively, and selecting and handling young lambs at turnout.
 
Michael also shares advice on outdoor supplementation strategies and highlights common health risks to watch for during prolonged wet or cold conditions. 
 
This episode offers timely, practical guidance to help safeguard lamb performance and reduce losses during challenging periods
 
For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Eleanor Brady, Ruminant Veterinary Manager with MSD Animal Health, joins us to discuss the critical role of clostridial vaccination in sheep flocks ahead of lambing.
Eleanor outlines the impact of clostridial disease and the significant losses it can cause if not properly controlled. 

We explore the optimal timing of vaccination in ewes before lambing, how to maximise passive transfer of immunity to lambs through colostrum, and what this means for early lamb protection.

We finish by discussing best practice when handling and administering vaccines to ensure maximum efficacy.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast