Richard Allen runs a pedigree Charollais flock from his grandfather’s land in Co. Wicklow, alongside a flock of commercial ewes that carry embryos from his Charollais lines. Since switching to Cobalt B12, Stockline and Solu E last year on the recommendation of a fellow sheep breeder, the results have spoken for themselves.
Natural Stockcare has been the title sponsor of the Irish Charollais Sheep Society for a number of years, and Richard’s flock is a strong example of the partnership between the breed and the products in action.
The Flock and the Embryo Programme
Richard’s operation combines pedigree breeding with embryo transfer. His commercial ewes act as recipients, carrying embryos from his Charollais lines. It’s a system built around genetics — and one where the condition and health of both pedigree and commercial stock directly affects outcomes. “The Charollais sheep are performing, thriving really well we think. The improvement in our sheep has been major.”
Show Ring Success With Cobalt B12, Stockline & Solu E
“We saw an improvement last year, but this year has just blown us away. We had the champion at Blessington, male champion of Blessington, and we had the reserve female champion, which sold very, very well.”
The improvement isn’t limited to the show ring. “Our stock is doing very, very well for other breeders. We have repeat customers going back year after year. They can buy five ewe lambs at a time. Our commercial lambs are getting to the factory very, very quick, meeting their weights and it’s all down to the products we use.”
What Are Cobalt B12, Stockline and Solu E?
Richard uses three Natural Stockcare products across his flock:
Cobalt B12 is a cobalt and vitamin B12 supplement for cattle and sheep. In areas where soil cobalt is low, sheep can develop ill-thrift and poor growth rates. Cobalt B12 supports rumen function and energy metabolism, keeping lambs thriving and ewes in condition.
Stockline is a multispecies vitamin and trace element supplement that contains copper. For Charollais — a copper-tolerant breed — it provides broad-spectrum mineral support across the production cycle.
Solu E is a targeted selenium and vitamin E supplement for cattle and sheep. It supports immune function, lamb vigour, and helps prevent white muscle disease — particularly important in selenium-deficient areas.
Together, the three products cover the key trace element and vitamin bases for a pedigree sheep operation.
Consistency and Ease of Use
“The consistency of the product is very, very good and I would just recommend the productsto everybody — breeders, commercial farmers. You’ll reach your targets with it and the ease of use in the product is very, very good.”
To find out more about Cobalt B12, Stockline and Solu E for your own flock, get in touch with the Natural Stockcare team or visit the full Natural Stockcare product range.
