Here at Resilient Romneys Trefranck Farm, we are committed to promoting sustainable sheep breeding practices that not only improve the resilience of our flocks but also benefit the wider agricultural ecosystem. Matt recently delivered an insightful talk on the importance of dung beetle diversity and abundance, highlighting the findings from the Dartmoor Hill Project by C. Turner and D. Attwell.
The Dartmoor Hill Project
The Dartmoor Hill Project investigated the abundance and diversity of dung beetles across different areas of Dartmoor. This study monitored various sites to assess the impact of chemical treatments in livestock on dung beetle populations. The findings were clear: areas with routine chemical treatments had significantly lower dung beetle populations compared to the control site, the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, which had a much greater abundance of dung beetles.
The Negative Effects of Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments, such as anthelmintic drenches used to control worms in livestock, have been shown to negatively impact dung beetle populations. These insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem, breaking down dung, locking up carbon in the soil, and reducing methane emissions. Reducing the use of chemical treatments can therefore have significant environmental benefits.
Breeding for Worm Resilience
At Resilient Romneys, we advocate for breeding sheep that are naturally resilient to worms. This approach offers numerous benefits:
The number of dung beetles found in cow, horse and sheep dung. This graph shows that Sheep dung was shown to hold the greatest number of dung beetles at a mean of 358 beetles per litre. Horse dung was next at a mean of 186 and cow 6 per litre.
This image was taken at the control site for the Dartmoor Hill Projects.
Paradise for dung beetles in sheep poo!
The control site Dartmoor Hill Farm Project shows a much greater abundance of dung beetles in comparison to the farms and commons where chemical treatments are routinely given to livestock.
Previously in this article, we briefly referred to the environmental benefits of an increased abundance of dung beetles, and here we have expanded upon them. Dung beetles play a vital role in improving soil structure by breaking down and burying animal waste, which enriches the soil with organic matter. This process enhances the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients, creating a more fertile environment for plant growth. Healthier soil not only supports stronger root systems for plants but also leads to more robust grasslands, providing additional grazing for livestock such as sheep.
Additionally, dung beetles help reduce methane emissions by breaking down dung more efficiently, which limits the amount of methane—a potent greenhouse gas—released into the atmosphere. By accelerating the decomposition of dung, they also contribute to carbon sequestration, effectively locking up carbon in the soil, which helps mitigate climate change. As dung beetle populations thrive, they provide a valuable food source for other wildlife, supporting biodiversity within the ecosystem. In essence, fostering an increase in dung beetles leads to a cascade of environmental benefits that improve pasture health, support more livestock, and create a more sustainable and balanced ecosystem.
Matt’s talk on dung beetle diversity and the Dartmoor Hill Project underscores the importance of sustainable practices in sheep breeding. By focusing on worm resilience and reducing chemical treatments, we can enhance both the health of our sheep and the ecosystems they inhabit. At Resilient Romneys, Trefranck Farm, we are dedicated to advancing these practices for the benefit of UK agriculture and the environment.
For more information on our breeding programs and sustainable farming practices, please contact us at Resilient Romneys, Trefranck Farm.
