Tupping time throws up a whole heap of critical questions. There are so many options and variables that can impact performance, and it is vital to get these right as they will have a huge impact on tupping, pregnancy, lambing, and selling. Many questions revolve around trace elements and whether a sheep bolus is right for a every system.
Having used the ANIMAX Tracesure® Sheep boluses on their own flocks, we ask our territory managers from England, Scotland and Wales three of our most frequently asked questions.
Question 1: When is the correct time to use a sheep bolus?
Answered by Flor Ryan – Territory Manager for West Ireland
“No matter when you give a bolus, it’ll work for up to 6 months. If you’re commercial or using AI or ET programmes, my preferred timing to bolus for tupping would be 4-6 weeks before ram turnout. We need to bolus so far out because the trace elements are converted into enzymes and hormones before being available to the animal, and there needs to be sufficient levels built up to support reproductive health and performance. The bolus releases trace elements over a period, equivalent to an animal getting trace elements through daily consumption of feed or water, for example. The trace elements commonly deficient are copper*, iodine, selenium, and cobalt – all of which are absolutely critical to holding the pregnancy. It’s all about getting the sheep in prime condition inside and out for ram turnout. As the bolus releases trace elements for 5-6 months, it would be ideal for covering the full gestation period. The other time I am fond of using it, is 6 weeks pre-lambing on the same day as vaccinating”.
* Note that copper is not always required by certain breeds and always check for copper-deficiency and or levels of antagonists.
Question 2: Why opt to supplement with a sheep bolus for tupping?
Answered by Matty Gray – Territory Manager for Scotland
“I would opt for a bolus at pre-tupping to ensure they get daily supplementation of the key trace elements to meet the ewes’ requirements for fertility, ovulation, conception, and pregnancy through the winter. By bolusing, ewes have a consistent measured supply, where there could be issues of availability, appetite and access sometimes associated with other methods”.
Question 3: What do you need to consider when choosing a sheep bolus for tupping?
Answered by Lauren Evans – Territory Manager for South Wales, Central Midlands and Southern England
“Weight and breed type would be my first consideration, as this dictates the amount of trace elements they require. Once you have this, you can then select a bolus that will meet their needs. Second would be timing. Bolusing pre-tupping is great, but ensuring it’s administered at the optimum time ensures you get the most out it. I generally work to a 4-6 week pre-tupping guide. Third is to look at the mode of action and raw materials to establish if they are working within the animal where they need to be. So, for example, cobalt type and being available in the rumen where it’s needed. Some boluses are better at staying in the rumen for the full length of cover than others. For example, an eroding bolus has an increased risk of breaking up into pieces that can pass through prematurely, compared to that of a diffusion bolus. There’s also the practical matter of size. Some boluses are bigger than others, and some are realistically too big to comfortably glide down the throats of some ewes than others”.
Catch up with our latest tupping blogs!
- How to get your flock in top form for tupping
- Is your lowland flock missing anything essential for tupping?
- Tupping on the hill: Preparing the ewe for a thrifty lamb
