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Sheep Nutrition
The last 6 weeks of pregnancy and the subsequent lactation are the most critical nutritional periods in the feeding calendar of the ewe. The foetal lamb weighs only 25% of its birth weight 6 weeks before lambing and will undergo an exponential increase in growth rate during the final weeks of pregnancy. During this period mammary cells are being primed for lactation and the production of colostrum, the vital fluid through which early immunity is given to the lamb.
The ewe has a phenomenal ability to produce highly nutritious milk and in early lactation the lamb can convert this into body tissues (growth) with almost 100% efficiency. Achieving optimum performance in a flock requires a multi-factorial approach with husbandry and disease management playing key roles. The influence of nutrition is however vital and is often overlooked. Many flock feeding strategies are based on historic practices and price per tonne is often given more credence than the nutritional composition of the feed.
Feeding programmes will be highly variable depending on the time of lambing, breed, level of productivity/ number of lambs and the quality and quantity of forage. It is, however, vital to ensure that all ewes are in good condition, condition score 3, as they enter the final 6 weeks of pregnancy, and that this is maintained through to lambing. They must have access to sufficient sources of energy. When developing the correct feeding strategy for a farm the following key areas should be considered.
1. Rumen function
The rumen is a highly complex microbiological system which processes the bulk of the feed fed to ruminants. Ensuring optimum rumen function is vital if forage digestibility and intake is to be maximised. Sudden changes to dietary regimes and/or large quantities of single feeds will upset rumen function and reduce the efficiency of utilisation of all feed. Key nutrients such as nitrogen, carbohydrates, cobalt and
Vitamin B12 are essential in the rumen.
2. Lamb vitality and ease of lambing
Several key nutrients have been shown to improve newborn lamb vitality and viability and are key during the parturition process. These nutrients include omega 3 fish oils, selenium and vitamin E.
3. Immunity and colostrum
A strong immune function is vital for good ewe and lamb health. The key nutrients involved in immunity are selenium, vitamin E and zinc. The immunity of lambs in the first weeks of life is dependent on the quantity and quality of colostrum fed in the first hours of life. Colostrum quantity is directly linked to the energy and rumen by-pass protein content of the diet in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Immunoglobulins, the main immune components in colostrum, are a specialised type of protein. Including good levels of rumen by-pass proteins in the diet in late pregnancy will enhance colostrum levels and early lactation milk yields.
4. Maximising milk yield at grass
Ewes milk well on a grass only diet, however milk production can be enhanced by the provision of several key nutrients. Rumen protein production is insufficient for maximum milk yield and ideally by-pass protein should be fed. In addition, grazing lacks many of the key minerals required for rumen function and milk production; these include selenium, cobalt, and sodium. Mole Valley Farmers are able to supply an extensive range of compound feeds and blends as well as buckets, blocks and minerals, most of which are manufactured in our own facilities and to our specification. These products are backed up by our team of qualified and experienced advisers.
Blocks and Buckets from your Local Mole Valley Farmers Branch
Super Energy Plus Fish Oil
An all natural protein feed block that is particularly suited to sheep. This product does not contain urea, and is high in energy - perfect where extra energy is required (such as pre-lambing and pre tupping). This block also contains Sel-Plex (a protected source of selenium) and high levels of vitamin E. Find out more...
Extra Energy and Protein Plus Fish Oil
This is a multi purpose block equally suited to cattle or sheep, containing a balance of energy and protein with a low inclusion of urea. This produces an affordable block with an excellent vitamin and trace element package that is perfect for balancing forages. Find out more...
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