The Mouland family have cut lameness from 10% to 2% and antibiotic use by 30% by addressing the challenge of operating an open flock proactively. Michael, Jo and their son, Richard, run a large flock of 2,300 North Country Mules at Horn Farm, near Chard in Somerset. They have always sourced between 200 and 300 ewe lamb replacements annually. But this comes with inherent disease management challenges, admits Richard Mouland.One of the biggest headaches has been managing lameness which peaked at about 10% four to five years ago. In line with FAI Farms' Five-Point Plan they have adopted strict quarantine protocols, developed a strict culling policy and put away fcKJt-trimming knives to help combat this.
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