Worm Tolerant Sheep – Farmer Awareness Day

Wednesday 17 May, 10am-2pm

Farmer Awareness Day: Breeding for worm tolerant sheep – an innovative approach to tackling wormer resistance

Venue: Trefranck Farm, St Clether, Launceston, PL15 8QN

An industry-led collaboration between Matthew and Pippa Smith of Trefranck Farm, Castle Vets, Moredun Research Institute and CIEL to see if worm tolerance in sheep has potential for genetic improvement. Results will be presented from a study carried out on Trefranck Farm in the summer of 2022.

Breeding sheep that tolerate worms, rather than mounting a fight to resist them, would mean more feed is used for production, increasing profitability and decreasing emissions for lamb we produce. Overseas research indicates animals mounting too strong a resistance challenge to worms are less efficient and can damage their gut lining for the long-term. Targeting tolerance instead, could lead to improved growth rates and financial returns, improved animal welfare, while reducing anthelmintic use and associated labour needs.

Join us for an event looking at results of this study and join in discussions with farmers, vets and experts from the UK and overseas.

Lunch Included – lamb roast & refreshments.

On the day we will be accepting donations for the charity Farming Community Network  in lieu of charging to cover costs. Donations will be greatly appreciated for this worthwhile cause supporting our farmers