WITH research suggesting worm burdens in sheep can increase methane output by as much as one third, the sheep sector is being encouraged to take a proactive approach to parasite control to help achieve the best possible environmental standards.
Findings by SRUC (Scotland's Rural College) and the Moredun Research Institute showed parasite infections in lambs can lead to a 33 per cent increase in methane output, and that parasitism is one of the top three livestock diseases which increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and is cost effective to manage.
According to Eurion Thomas, European operations manager at Techion, despite current emissions from sheep being over-exaggerated, the sector will need to act if the NFU's aspiration for net zero emissions from agriculture by 2040, is to be achieved.
Mr Thomas explained: "While targets to further reduce GHG emissions may appear to be burdensome, there are some simple steps farmers can take that'll help minimise emissions while also improving business profitability. This includes incorporating regular faecal egg counts into routine flock management to increase the accuracy of worm control.
"Worms reduce performance, in particular feed conversion ratio (FCR), meaning animals take longer to finish at lower weights. In addition, the research shows animals with worms release more methane per day due to the upset they cause to the digestive system.
"Better parasite control can therefore reduce number of days to finishing, improving production efficiency and lowering methane emissions per unit of meat produced.
"The number of days to slaughter and FCR are also correlated to profit margins, providing an opportunity to improve the bottom line."
Mr Thomas reckons one of the reasons endemic diseases, such as worm burdens, are so detrimental to production efficiency and subsequently emissions, is because often the disease has significantly impacted animal performance before it has been identified.
Market round-up
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 12 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 227p per kg and an average of 185.6p.
In the rough ring 14 beef cows averaged 103p and 91 dairy cows levelled at 91p.
The firm also sold 494 prime hoggs to a top of £100 per head and 212p per kg to average 202p (+18p on the week).
The 364 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £141 for a Texel and average £63, while light/export-type ewes peaked at £75.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £50.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 770 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £95.50 and 205.6p to average 187.4p (+5p).
A smaller show of cast sheep saw 118 heavy ewes sell to £95 for Suffolk crosses and average £67.06, while 65 light ewes peaked at £53 for Blackfaces and levelled at £40.60.
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