Body health results are used in the visualization of sheep nutrients in the course of all phases of reproduction. A score of 3 to 3.5 is an optimal range for the ewe. The determination of the body condition score is selected by handling ewes over the hips, ribs, backbone and loin. The amount of fat in these locations is what ascertains 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.
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Smallholder suppliers offer sheep feeds, pig feeds to poultry feeds. You may want to consult your vet for correct feed mixes.
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