Sheep farmers are being urged by nutrition experts to add trace elements to their pre-tupping checks this season, with the reminder that good breeding performance starts long before the tups go in.

Aled Evans-Hughes, trade account manager at Fevara, says checking trace element status should sit alongside other routine pre-tupping checks, particularly where flock history, forage quality or previous blood testing suggests there may be a risk of deficiency.

“Tupping is where the next lamb crop begins, so it’s best to take a ‘fully comprehensive’ approach to your pre tupping MOT. The missing ‘T’ often overlooked is trace elements,” he says.

“It’s commonplace to look at ewes and tups to assess the condition of their physical attributes through teeth, toes, tone, testes and even treatments like vaccinations and wormers, but something else to consider is if they have sufficient trace elements.

“Deficiencies often go unnoticed but will affect performance. You may see outward warning signs, such as ill thrift, poor fleece quality, anaemia or poor body condition.

He adds: “If these deficiencies aren’t considered early enough, the opportunity to act before tupping can be missed.

“The bigger concern is the hidden losses you can’t immediately see such as reduced fertility, thyroid and hormonal function, weaker immunity, slower growth and reduced sperm production in rams.”

The best starting point is to look at flock performance, scanning history, previous lamb vigour, forage quality and, where appropriate, pairing this with blood testing and a discussion with your vet so you can make informed decisions about your flock’s trace element and nutrition levels.

Where farmers want to implement a simple, planned approach ahead of tupping, Mr Evans-Hughes advises that bolusing can be an effective way to provide up to six months’ trace element cover in one simple dose.

“A long-acting bolus, like Tracesure Advanced Sheep, gives farmers a practical way to build trace element support into their pre-tupping plan and support ewes and tups through key periods,” he says.

“It offers up to six months’ sustained release in a small, easy to administer bolus, and fits neatly into that ‘one and done’ approach. For busy sheep systems, that ease of use matters,” he adds

“Factoring in that extra ‘T’  to a pre-tupping MOT can really pay dividends in overall flock performance.”

He adds that farmers should speak to their merchant, vet or nutritional adviser in good time ahead of tupping to discuss whether trace element bolusing is appropriate for their flock.

Aled’s top T’s for a ‘fully comp’ pre-tupping MOT

Toes – Check toes, legs and feet for lameness or any sign of problems that need treating before tupping
Teeth – Check for missing teeth, alignment and any abscesses
Testes/teats – Check firmness and measure, feeling for any lumps or bumps that shouldn’t be there
Trace elements – Make sure ewes and rams have the right levels of trace elements in advance of tupping season to support them through breeding and pregnancy