Farmers need to protect their lambs to get the best possible prices at market

• Lamb prices affected by drop in Euro
• Cases of strike reported throughout the country
• “Prevention is more cost effective than cure”, advises vet

With lamb prices slightly down compared with 2011, it’s never been more important for sheep producers to present their lambs at market in the very best condition possible and certainly free from blowfly strike.

Lamb prices are still good, according to auctioneer David Bowman, from Hopes of Wigton. “But the fall in the value of the Euro has seen lamb prices drop a little – by around 20p/kgLW – because quite a proportion of UK lamb is sold for export.

“The costs of production haven’t changed, so the slight drop in lamb price is squeezing producers. Margins are a little tighter for producers compared with six months ago,” he says.

“Lambs averaged £2.20/kgLW in a sale here in late May – that’s not to be sniffed at. But sheep producers need to ensure that they realise those prices by making sure that their stock is in tip-top condition when it enters the sale ring.”

He emphasised the importance of treating stock with effective products to prevent blowfly strike. “It’s a sound investment and will ensure that producers protect their stock, as well as the returns they’ll see at market.”

Novartis Animal Health vet Thomas Tiley says that lamb market prices and the high-challenge season means that producers need to be vigilant about blowfly strike this summer.

“Producers must ensure their lambs are protected through the later part of the year and should be mindful of products’ meat withholding periods. This will enable lambs to be marketed as and when needed, such as when market prices are strong.”

A product that offers a short meat withhold period and one that farmers can rely on for high quality blowfly protection is CLiKZiN®. Ideal for producers looking for flexibility, it allows sheep producers to protect their lambs – and their investment – from blowfly strike in the period leading up to market.

CLiKZiN®, from Novartis Animal Health protects lambs and sheep from strike for eight weeks, with a meat withhold period of just seven days and complements the 16 weeks’ protection offered by CLiK®.

“Blowfly strike can be devastating to sheep and lambs, causing severe impact on the welfare of the animal,” explains Mr Tiley. “Within days of a blowfly laying its eggs, clinically normal sheep and lambs can be afflicted by flesh eating maggots. As well as the welfare issue, it can severely devalue the animal’s market price. And with margins tightening, this is something that producers cannot afford.”

Mr Tiley adds that “we are seeing a high demand for both CLiKZiN® and CLiK® this season. Strike is repugnant and highly traumatic for the animals, therefore producers need to use products they can rely on.

“And as farmers need flexibility when they are marketing lambs, this year more so than ever with lamb prices where they are, it is recognised that using CLiKZiN® will ensure lambs are free from the damaging effects of blowfly strike when they enter the sale ring,” he says.

“It’s easy to spot the lambs at market that have been well cared for and protected from parasites and disease,” adds Mr Bowman. “And, without doubt, those are the lambs that make the best prices on the day.”

About CLiK®,and CLiKZiN®

CLiK® Pour on for sheep contains 5% (w/v) dicyclanil. CLiKZiN® Pour on for sheep contains 1.25% (w/v) dicyclanil. CLiK® and CLiKZiN® are registered trademarks of Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland. Advice on the use of these or other alternative medicines must be sought from the medicines prescriber. Use medicines responsibly. www.noah.co.uk/responsible. Legal category: POM-VPS in UK

Novartis Press Office   +44 (0) 1276 698691

Novartis   Animal Health – 01276 694402

Kendalls Communications – 01394 610022

About Novartis Animal Health

Novartis Animal Health researches, develops and commercializes leading animal treatments that meet the needs of pet owners, farmers and veterinarians. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and present in nearly 40 countries, Novartis Animal Health employs approximately 2,900 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.ah.novartis.com or in the UK & IE visit www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk

About Novartis

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2011, the Group’s continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 58.6 billion, while approximately USD 9.6 billion (USD 9.2 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges) was invested in R&D throughout the Group. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 124,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

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