The purpose of the CPT sponging is to synchronize ewes oestrus cycle for the day of AI.

Over 600 ewes have been sponged this week, with 400 being artificially inseminated (AI) over the next weeks, from a total of 1,150 ewes in the CPT flocks this year.

All CPT ewes are being prepared across CPT farms with pre-mating ewe mature weights being collected, along with health inspections, body condition scored, lameness recorded, dag scored and mastitis recorded.

This is all recorded​ using the Sheep Ireland LambPlus App:

This week the CPT rams are being assembled in our usual base in Lyons Estate on the UCD farm. Rams will be quarantined here for a period of time and given thorough inspection by our vet before being trained to jump and provide semen for AI.

• Housing – Housed indoors in individual penning in UCD – Lyons Estate
• Semen Collection – The rams will be trained to jump and give semen up in UCD to prepare for AI Days.
• The rams will never serve a ewe during their stay.
• AI Days – Rams will be transported to the CPT Farms on the day of AI so fresh semen can be used.
• Ewes – Aim is to AI approx. 35/40 ewes with each ram.

In order to facilitate efficient fresh semen AI each day on farm, it is critical that all rams are adequately trained and familiar with providing semen.