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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 169
The supplement can be started with a quarter of a pound (0.1 kg) of grain per ewe a day, and gradually build up to half or three-quarters of a pound (0.2 or 0.3 kg) each in the first week. This is then continued in the same quantity for 17 days, then gradually tapered off.
Ewes should not be pastured on red clover. This is because it contains estrogen and lowers lambing percentages. Other clovers and alfalfa may have a similar effect, though it tends to be weaker in these legumes.
Ewe lambs:
Flushing should not be applied to ewe lambs if you decide to breed them, this is because they are not yet fully grown at lambing time.
It is better not breed ewe lambs until a month or so after you commence breeding mature ewes. The season for breeding ewe lambs is shorter than mature ewes. There are some breeds such as Rambouillet that mature slowly whereas other breeds such as Finnsheep, Polypay and Romanov are much faster.
Farmers are of the opinion that ewes that were bred when they were lambs are the most promising, on account of their early maturity and this is the key to prolific lambing.
Before a ewe lamb is bred it should weigh between 85 to 100 pounds (38.6 – 45.4 kg), otherwise their growth later on will be slightly stunted in comparison to those who were not bred. If a ewe lamb is not well fed, their reproductive life is shorter, not only that, unless they are given a mineral supplement such as trace mineralized salt they will develop problems with their teeth.
If replacement ewes are being selected choose them for their ability to breed as lambs, and the flock will improve in the capacity of ewe lamb breeding. When choosing your replacement ewes, select them from among your twin ewes. When it comes to breeding turn the twin ewes in with a ram wearing a marking harness. The ones that are marked are the ones to keep as you know they have been bred, the rest you can sell.
Culling:
By keeping your best lamb ewes, and replacing mature ewes over time, your profits will increase. To know which animals to cull, you must keep a record with a "personal profile".
To identify your flock have them ear tagged with a number, even if you know them individually.
Ewes should not be pastured on red clover. This is because it contains estrogen and lowers lambing percentages. Other clovers and alfalfa may have a similar effect, though it tends to be weaker in these legumes.
Ewe lambs:
Flushing should not be applied to ewe lambs if you decide to breed them, this is because they are not yet fully grown at lambing time.
It is better not breed ewe lambs until a month or so after you commence breeding mature ewes. The season for breeding ewe lambs is shorter than mature ewes. There are some breeds such as Rambouillet that mature slowly whereas other breeds such as Finnsheep, Polypay and Romanov are much faster.
Farmers are of the opinion that ewes that were bred when they were lambs are the most promising, on account of their early maturity and this is the key to prolific lambing.
Before a ewe lamb is bred it should weigh between 85 to 100 pounds (38.6 – 45.4 kg), otherwise their growth later on will be slightly stunted in comparison to those who were not bred. If a ewe lamb is not well fed, their reproductive life is shorter, not only that, unless they are given a mineral supplement such as trace mineralized salt they will develop problems with their teeth.
If replacement ewes are being selected choose them for their ability to breed as lambs, and the flock will improve in the capacity of ewe lamb breeding. When choosing your replacement ewes, select them from among your twin ewes. When it comes to breeding turn the twin ewes in with a ram wearing a marking harness. The ones that are marked are the ones to keep as you know they have been bred, the rest you can sell.
Culling:
By keeping your best lamb ewes, and replacing mature ewes over time, your profits will increase. To know which animals to cull, you must keep a record with a "personal profile".
To identify your flock have them ear tagged with a number, even if you know them individually.