TAKE BACK CONTROL
With input costs on farm at an all-time high this winter, it’s more important than ever to be thinking about reducing losses and maximising lambing success on the approach to lambing. However, you may feel that many variables, such as the weather, forage quality, disease and ewe body condition score are out of your control in the pre-lambing period. Let Downland help you take back control in this crucial pre-lambing period with SHEEP NATURAL ENERGY, formulated to ensure your lambs get off to the best possible start whilst providing optimum nutrition to help the ewe achieve maximum efficiency. 70% of foetal growth occurs during the final 6 weeks of pregnancy and furthermore it’s during this time that the ewe’s udder develops, producing colostrum and milk. This causes the ewe’s energy and protein requirements to increase considerably at a time when dry matter intake reduces by approximately 30% as a result of reduced rumen capacity. It is estimated that almost 50% of lamb losses occur around lambing time, with many of these losses linked to incorrect nutrition in late pregnancy. It is key to make sure that ewes are fed to meet their nutritional requirements to avoid problems occurring at this critical time.
OVERFEEDING EWES
Overfeeding ewes in late pregnancy will supply more energy to the ewe than required. An increased energy supply can result in fat accumulating around the pelvic area which increases the risk of a difficult birth (dystocia). Ewes are also more prone to prolapses when overfed in late pregnancy. Furthermore, an increased energy supply to the lamb may result in larger lambs being born which again will increase the risk of dystocia and can reduce lamb survival.
UNDERFEEDING EWES
Underfeeding ewes in late pregnancy will force the ewe to naturally prioritise partitioning energy towards maintaining her own body condition. This is likely to result in a shortage of energy supply to the lamb(s) and as a result, lambs may be born small, weak and may have less brown fat available for mobilisation during the first few hours of life. The quality and quantity of colostrum produced is likely to be insufficient if ewes have been underfed in late pregnancy and will often result in a poor chance of survival for the lambs. Forage will make up a large proportion of the ewe’s diet on the approach to lambing and therefore it is important to undertake a forage analysis to further understand its composition. It is also important to consider scanning in mid-pregnancy so that diets can be adapted according to the number of lambs carried. Single bearing ewes will require significantly less energy than a triplet bearing ewe, as energy supply in late pregnancy will be diverted to growth of the lambs. Downland’s SHEEP NATURAL ENERGY bucket can form the basis of any late pregnancy/lambing nutrition plan, providing essential nutrients required to support both the ewe and unborn lamb. In addition to proving good levels of energy, SHEEP NATURAL ENERGY contains 16.5% protein, including high quality, natural, digestible undegradable protein sources that supports colostrum and milk production. A balance of minerals, vitamins and trace elements including high levels of vitamin E along with protected zinc and selenium counter potential deficiencies found in forages and grazing. Ensuring ewes are fed according to their needs will directly influence lambing success this season giving you back control. Furthermore, adding Downland SHEEP NATURAL ENERGY to your feeding plan, ideally from six weeks pre-lambing, will help support your flock through this crucial time of the year.