-
SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 172
1/3rd oats
1/3rd shelled corn
1/3 wheat – as it contains selenium.
Barley is also a good feed. Grain rations can be supplemented to 12 – 15% protein content with soybean meal or another protein source.
Grain and hay should be given on a regular schedule to avoid the risk of pregnancy diseases such as enterotoxemia brought on by erratic eating. Generally speaking, 1 pound (0.5 kg) of grain a day – more for larger ewes – is a good guideline.
As a reminder, during these last few weeks be on the look-out for ewes with droopy eyes, ewes that go off their feed, stand around in a daze, show weakness in their legs, grind their teeth or have rapid breathing, or have breath that has a distinctive odor. If they are treated early recovery is likely.
Exercise and sunlight are valuable to pregnant ewes. If ewes are confined and lack exercise this can lead to problems. A good way to get them to exercise is to scatter the hay around in various clean parts of the pasture once a day.
The effect improper feeding has in late pregnancy:
Poor feeding during the last 4 weeks, and in the case of ewes that are expecting twins, the last 5 to 6 weeks, leads to:
1. Low birth weight
2. Low fat reserve in new born lambs – this leads to a higher mortality rate as they are more susceptible to chills etc.
3. Low wool production when lambs reach adulthood.
4. Increase chances of pregnancy toxemia
1/3rd shelled corn
1/3 wheat – as it contains selenium.
Barley is also a good feed. Grain rations can be supplemented to 12 – 15% protein content with soybean meal or another protein source.
Grain and hay should be given on a regular schedule to avoid the risk of pregnancy diseases such as enterotoxemia brought on by erratic eating. Generally speaking, 1 pound (0.5 kg) of grain a day – more for larger ewes – is a good guideline.
As a reminder, during these last few weeks be on the look-out for ewes with droopy eyes, ewes that go off their feed, stand around in a daze, show weakness in their legs, grind their teeth or have rapid breathing, or have breath that has a distinctive odor. If they are treated early recovery is likely.
Exercise and sunlight are valuable to pregnant ewes. If ewes are confined and lack exercise this can lead to problems. A good way to get them to exercise is to scatter the hay around in various clean parts of the pasture once a day.
The effect improper feeding has in late pregnancy:
Poor feeding during the last 4 weeks, and in the case of ewes that are expecting twins, the last 5 to 6 weeks, leads to:
1. Low birth weight
2. Low fat reserve in new born lambs – this leads to a higher mortality rate as they are more susceptible to chills etc.
3. Low wool production when lambs reach adulthood.
4. Increase chances of pregnancy toxemia