Dr. Orla Keane joins us to discuss coccidiosis in lambs, a common but often underestimated issue affecting flock performance.

We cover what causes coccidiosis, its impact on lamb health and growth, and the key symptoms farmers should watch for.

With the challenging spring weather conditions, we also look at why the risk of infection may be higher this year and what that means for on-farm management.

We finish with a practical discussion on treatment and prevention, including how different coccidiostats, their active ingredients, and dosing strategies work to control the disease.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

We catch up with Grass10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, to discuss grassland management for March.

Nikki shares an update on grass covers across the country, outlines key grazing targets for the first rotation, and highlights the importance of grouping ewes effectively.

We finish discussing fertiliser and lime application strategies for the spring.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With lambing season well underway, we catch up with Dr. Nóirín McHugh to discuss how to identify and select the best ewe lambs as future replacements, and what genetics we are introducing into the flock.

Nóirín explains how genetics influences a wide range of production and behavioural traits — from litter size and lambing ease to mothering ability and lamb vigour — as well as their role in reducing undesirable issues such as prolapse and lameness.

We also explore how observations made during lambing can be used to make more informed replacement decisions, helping to drive long-term flock performance.

Finally, Nóirín outlines what to watch for as the season progresses, ensuring that selection decisions made now continue to deliver benefits throughout the year

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast