The effect of increased inputs to twin-bearing ewes within an extensive hill sheep system

Abstract

There is a general belief that reduced stock numbers on hill areas will be beneficial to the environment. A decrease in stock numbers may lead to farmers opting for lower input systems of hill sheep production in order to reduce costs, to meet the requirements of specific schemes or simply to maintain profitability. A large scale systems experiment has been set up at SAC Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms to examine the effects of extensification on the ecology, animal production and welfare and the socio-economics of the local community. Within this extensive system, a 4-year trial was undertaken to examine the effects of a limited increase in inputs to twin-bearing ewes which are particularly at risk within such a system.