As the breeding season nears, an increasing number of sheep producers across the UK are adopting synchronising as an effective way to manage lambing and enhance flock performance. Ewe synchronisation involves shortening the mating period, which in turn leads to a more concentrated lambing window—making the entire process more streamlined and manageable. A further advantage is the ability to influence out-of-season breeding, allowing producers to lamb earlier or later in the year, despite sheep being natural seasonal breeders.
Why Synchronise Your Flock?
Synchronising your flock offers several important benefits:
- Shorter Lambing Period – Most ewes conceive around the same time, leading to a more condensed and manageable lambing season.
- Improved Labour Efficiency – Easier planning and allocation of staff and resources, especially helpful for farms with other spring commitments.
- Consistent Lamb Crop – Lambs are more uniform in weight and age, simplifying tasks like batch management, weaning, and marketing.
- Essential for AI/ET Programs – Synchronisation is crucial when using artificial insemination or embryo transfer techniques.
Timing is Everything
If you’re considering synchronisation, now is the time to start planning. Protocols should be initiated several weeks before your intended mating date. It’s a good idea to consult your vet about:
- Whether your flock is a suitable candidate for synchronisation
- Choosing the most appropriate protocol for your system
- Procuring sponges, PMSG, and other required supplies
- Ensuring ewes are in optimal condition for successful conception
Important Considerations for Synchronising Ewes:
To ensure the success of your synchronisation program, keep the following in mind:
- Ram-to-Ewe Ratio – A higher ratio (e.g., 1:8 to 1:10) is often needed for synchronised matings, particularly with natural service.
- Breed Differences – Breeds such as Zwartbles and Blueface Leicester tend to have higher ovulation rates than others. Your vet can advise on altering the PMSG dose to take this in to account.
- Ewe Age – Gimmers (first-time lambers) usually have lower ovulation rates compared to mature ewes.
- Barren Ewe Rates – Expect a slightly higher barren rate than the usual 2%. However, these ewes can often be re-integrated into the main flock for regular lambing.
Product Selection:
A range of synchronisation products is available, and the most suitable choice will depend on your flock’s breed, specific goals, and budget. Each product may require a slightly different protocol, so it’s important to consult your vet to ensure you’re using the right approach for your system.
CIDR Ovis:
CIDR Ovis is a progesterone-releasing vaginal device designed for sheep to synchronise estrus and ovulation, enabling precise control over breeding timing. Shaped like a “T,” it is inserted into the ewe and releases progesterone to temporarily suppress her natural cycle. Once removed, it triggers a synchronized ovulation and onset of estrus. An injection of PMSG is often given at the time of CODR removal to improve syncronisation and litter size.
Sponges:
Sponges function similarly to CIDRs as progesterone-releasing devices used in sheep. Following removal, a dose of PMSG (Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin) is often administered to stimulate ovulation, which can increase the number of eggs released and potentially result in larger litter sizes.
Regulin:
Regulin is a unique melatonin implant designed to enhance reproductive performance in both purebred and crossbred sheep. Available in packs of 50 doses, it is administered subcutaneously at the base of the ear. Regulin is used to stimulate the early onset of natural reproductive activity, making it ideal for sheep bred early in the season, ahead of the usual peak breeding period.
Speak to your vet today at Caledonia Farm Vet to find out the best products for your flock. With so many options on the market correct product at the correct time is vital to maximise flock productivity.
