Prevention of metabolic diseases
The two main clinical conditions which arise as a result of demand outstripping nutrient supply in late pregnancy are pregnancy toxaemia (twin lamb disease) and hypocalcaemia which often coincide with one another.
- Extra high energy at 16MJ ME/kg DM helps minimise the imbalance between nutrient demand and supply during late pregnancy, making it ideal for where there is a risk of twin lamb disease
- 35% available sugars supply an available source of fermentable energy for the rumen bugs, which helps to maximise forage digestion and dry matter intakes at a time where feed intakes are restricted by the growing foetus(es)
- 12% protein from a mixture of natural and urea sources helps maximise the digestion and utilisation of poorer quality forages, therefore helping to support dry matter intakes
- Chelated zinc helps to support hoof health and integrity, which helps ewes to maintain feed intakes in the run up to lambing
Foetal growth
75% of foetal growth occurs within the last 6 weeks of pregnancy, with weight doubling in the last 4 weeks.
- Extra high energy at 16 MJ ME/kg DM helps to meet ewe energy requirements for maintenance and pregnancy
- 12% protein from a mixture of natural and urea sources helps to meet ewe metabolisable protein requirements for maintenance and pregnancy
Udder growth and colostrum production
In the last weeks of pregnancy, there is an increasing demand for nutrients for udder growth and colostrum production. Ewes bearing singles will have less udder development than multiple-bearing ewes.
- 12% protein from a mixture of natural and urea sources helps to support the production of milk and colostrum in preparation for lambing, with a target colostrum intake of 200ml per kg of bodyweight within 24 hours
Quick and easy lambing and vigorous newborn lambs
Lambs should be born and up and suckling quickly without assistance. Lambs that are quicker to stand will be less susceptible to hypothermia, and will be healthier through their quicker intake of colostrum, therefore helping to minimise lamb losses. Easier management goals suggest a time of 25 minutes to stand, plus another 5 minutes to suck successfully.
- High levels of vitamin E and selenised yeast supports an easier lambing and the production of healthier and more vigorous lambs which are quicker to stand
Opti-lix High Energy provides a high specification nutritional package to help meet key flock requirements in order to maximise lamb output and overall farm profitability.
FEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Offer to in-lamb ewes during the final 6 weeks of pregnancy
2. Offer 1 x 20kg lick per 35 ewes or 1 x 80kg tub per 100 ewes
3. Typical intakes are up to 100g/head/day