Correct Sheep Feed For A Healthy 2012 Lambing Season

Body conditioning scores are used in the
visualization of sheep nutrients throughout all
phases of gestation. A score of 3 to 3.5 is an
optimal range for the ewe. The determination of
the body condition score is decided by handling
ewes over the hips, ribs, backbone and loin. The
quantity of fat in these regions is what
establishes their score.

The primary nutritional components include
energy (TDN), crude protein (CP), calcium and
selenium. With this in mind, the first 30 days
following conception of embryo(s), the diet of
the pregnant ewe should remain the same as
before fertilization took place.

Regular weight of a pregnant ewe that weighs in
at about 170 pounds during their early and
mid-period of pregnancy will be about 55% TDN
and 9.4% crude protein in the form of 3.3 pounds
of dry matter per day.

During the more important late gestation
period, knowing just how much feed should be put
forth for the ewe is dependent on the number of
fetuses being carried. Too little feed will
result in low birth weight and weak lambs that
are susceptible to stress and illnesses. They
are also slower in growth during the pre-weaning
phase. If the ewe is overfed, not only are the
lambs to big and cause lambing problems, they
also have a lower survival rate.

For the 170 pound ewe, the TDN requirement will
increase to 56-65% and crude protein will
increase to about 10%. The accepted rule of
thumb is three to six weeks prior to lambing,
each ewe should receive one pound of grain
supplement for each lamb they are carrying.

One critical time frame is two weeks prior to
lambing. The TDN for twins should increase 15%
and 30% for triplets. The crude protein should
increase 23% for twins and 45% for triplets.

The transabdominal scanning is able to detect
multiple births by days 51 through 75 and a very
effective tool that helps determine what each ewe
needs during the late gestation period which is
considered the last 4 to 6 weeks before lambing.

During the late gestation cycle, the ewe's
mammary development occurs. If the ewes are
underfed during this time, the quality and yield
of milk will be reduced.

Three weeks prior to lambing, the ewes should
be vaccinated for clostridium, dewormed and
tetanus shots given for healthier lambs.

The greatest period of nutritional demand on
ewes is during lactation. The amount of feed
given to the ewe is dependent on how many lambs
she is nursing, her size and condition, her age
and time of year the lambs are born are all
factors taken into consideration. Usually,
lactating ewes will be fed one pound of grain
for each lamb nursing off her. Sixty days after
lactation, the feed should be reduced to prevent
the ewe from becoming overly fat. Most ewes
though will lose weight during lactation. This
can be remedied with higher protein for the ewe.

During the weaning period, the grain should be
reduced a week or two before weaning the lambs.
Then, all grain should be removed and place the
ewe on a low quality grass hay or even straw.
This will cause the udders to dry up. Once
lactation has stopped, the ewes should be placed
on a regular maintenance of feed again.

----------------------------------------------------
If you are unsure as to the amounts to feed, then
please speak to you vet who will be able to
advice. Resourced
http://www.dodsonandhorrellpetfood.co.uk

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=246485

>