Recording of Ewe Milk is the measuring of how milky a ewe is at lambing time. The data recorded from this trait will flow directly into the sub-index ‘Daughters Milk’ and the main ‘Replacement’ Index. Data recorded on this trait will further enhance Sheep Irelands aim of finding and promoting the best sheep genetics in the country. A study carried out by Nicola Fetherstone, Teagasc Athenry have shown that ewe milk yield is influenced by genetic merit and that a ewe with a greater milk yield will produce heavier lambs at six weeks of age and will also reduce their Days to Slaughter by up to 15 days.

Below is a description on the scoring system for Ewe Milk, it goes from one (very poor milk) to five (lots of milk) based mostly on the size of the udder. This should be done within 24 hours of the ewe lambing and giving her sufficient time for her milk to drop. You can find this scale and its explanation in your lambing notebook or on the Sheep Ireland website (www.sheep.ie) for reference.