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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 88
Abrupt change of any kind will disturb the rumen, not only bloat but can cause death through acidosis, impacted rumen, and enterotoxemia (more details in chapter 8). Abrupt changes can cause other problems because sudden changes interfere with the synthesis of vitamins A and B. Vitamin A plays an important role as an anti-infection vitamin, whereas vitamin B, if not ingested sufficiently results in lack of appetite, and weakness.
When making changes to their feed it is a good idea to formulate a feed program no quicker than 10% per day. If you propose bringing new sheep home, don't forget to ask the seller what feed he/she has been giving them and slowly adjust them to your program.
Feeding Program:
If you have good quality hay, the following general guidelines are suitable, but if our hay is poor quality, you may need to add a little more grain than those given below.
Another consideration to take into account is if the reproductive cycle is timed to the peak of high quality grass production in the spring, when this is the case you will only need just a little, if any, supplemental grain for good lactation. However, if your ewes are going to lamb in the winter, you will definitely want to follow the pre-breeding guidelines.
First, seventeen days before introducing a ram to the ewes, provide each ewe with half a pound (0.23 kg) of grain. Start gradually for the first few days. This is called flushing, and it increases ovulation.
Second, a week before the ram is introduced to the ewes he should start to receive up to half a pound (0.23 kg) of grain as well, but remember to start gradually and continue throughout the breeding season. Once the breeding season is over, start to reduce his intake of grain until he is back on just hay or pasture.
Third, continue to give the ewes their half a pound (0.23 kg) for around 4 weeks after mating and then taper it off gradually.
Fourth, feeding approximately one tenth of a pound (0.05 kg) of light grain to a ewe per day is alright until the last 5 weeks of pregnancy.
Fifth, once the ewe has reached the last 5 weeks of her pregnancy, she should have an increase in nutrition to prevent pregnancy disease. Gradually work up to half a pound (0.23 kg) or more per ewe.
When making changes to their feed it is a good idea to formulate a feed program no quicker than 10% per day. If you propose bringing new sheep home, don't forget to ask the seller what feed he/she has been giving them and slowly adjust them to your program.
Feeding Program:
If you have good quality hay, the following general guidelines are suitable, but if our hay is poor quality, you may need to add a little more grain than those given below.
Another consideration to take into account is if the reproductive cycle is timed to the peak of high quality grass production in the spring, when this is the case you will only need just a little, if any, supplemental grain for good lactation. However, if your ewes are going to lamb in the winter, you will definitely want to follow the pre-breeding guidelines.
First, seventeen days before introducing a ram to the ewes, provide each ewe with half a pound (0.23 kg) of grain. Start gradually for the first few days. This is called flushing, and it increases ovulation.
Second, a week before the ram is introduced to the ewes he should start to receive up to half a pound (0.23 kg) of grain as well, but remember to start gradually and continue throughout the breeding season. Once the breeding season is over, start to reduce his intake of grain until he is back on just hay or pasture.
Third, continue to give the ewes their half a pound (0.23 kg) for around 4 weeks after mating and then taper it off gradually.
Fourth, feeding approximately one tenth of a pound (0.05 kg) of light grain to a ewe per day is alright until the last 5 weeks of pregnancy.
Fifth, once the ewe has reached the last 5 weeks of her pregnancy, she should have an increase in nutrition to prevent pregnancy disease. Gradually work up to half a pound (0.23 kg) or more per ewe.