The Moredun Research Institute has called for Herald readers who keep sheep to fill in an online questionnaire survey. As part of a project researching white drench resistance in Nematodirus battus, researchers are investigating potential risk factors which may influence the development and spread of resistance in this roundworm.

White drench resistance in Nematodirus battus was only identified recently, in 2010. Research at Moredun to date suggests that the genes which code for this resistance are widespread at low levels throughout the UK populations, with focal regions of higher resistance gene frequency.

Researchers hope to gather information on the current management strategies in use to control Nematodirus in an attempt to highlight any practices which are associated with the development and dissemination of resistance in this roundworm.

The questionnaire link is https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/nematodirus

Market round-up

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 1144 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £108 per head and 228p per kg to average 199.5p (-6p on the week), while 1118 prime hoggs peaked at £111 and 196p to level at 168.4p (+10.4p).

The firm also had 3327 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £136 for Texels and averaged £77.33 (-£5.94), while light ewes peaked at £75 for Blackfaces and levelled at £50.31 (-£2.57). Rams sold to £154 for a Texel and averaged £93.23.