Improving Cobalt & Copper Deficiencies in Neil Oughton's Flock

Neil Oughton operates Lymore Farm in Montgomery with a focus on efficient sheep farming practices. The farm includes an outdoor lambing flock of shedding sheep and Highlanders, which lamb in April, and a Charolais flock of 130 ewes that lamb indoors in March. Both flocks are maintained on a forage-only diet, emphasising the use of natural resources for nutrition.

The farm's soil presents challenges due to high molybdenum levels, which can hinder copper absorption, potentially leading to deficiencies in the lambs. Additionally, the farm has experienced low cobalt and iodine levels. To address these issues, Neil employs a regimen of Mayo boluses administered twice annually. These boluses have proven effective, as evidenced by extensive blood, forage, and soil testing, which demonstrate improved blood cobalt levels and resolution of copper deficiencies.

Since 1992, Neil has utilised Signet performance recording to track and optimize flock management, consistently ranking the farm among the top-performing flocks. He also employs CT scanning of select lambs to accurately measure meat yield, providing valuable data to refine management practices.

"We're finding the boluses are working and they are increasing blood levels of Cobalt, and the copper problems have gone away so they work."

Lymore Farm has achieved notable improvements in lamb health and performance.

Neil Oughton,
Lymore Farm, Montgomery