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SHEEP AND GOATS
WINTER 2013/2014
LIVESTOCK MATTERS
4
Nutrition
- of dam
and young
The nutritional status of the ewe or doe affects
the quantity and quality of the colostrum
produced. This in turn affects the survivability
of the newborn animal.
Matt explains: ‘Last winter, a lot of lambs were
unnecessarily lost because pregnant ewes
were given the same amounts of feed and
forage as in previous years. But on some
farms, the forage was of lower quality and the
ewes in poorer condition. The knock-on effect
was insufficient colostrum, and weaker lambs.
‘To make sure pregnant ewes are receiving the
right level of nutrition, they should be scanned
at 60-90 days to identify the number of lambs
being carried, and then grouped accordingly.
Forages should be analysed, and then rations
can be formulated using the appropriate
quality and quantity of bought-in concentrates.
In the last 3-4 weeks prior to lambing, it's best
practice to blood test batches of ewes,
alongside body condition scoring, to check
their nutritional status and alter rations
as needed.
‘When lambs (and kids and calves) are first
born, it's critical that they receive adequate
colostrum in the first four hours of life, to gain
effective immunity.
‘But don't just rely on the dam to ensure a
newborn animal has received its colostrum,’
warns Matt. ‘My motto is “educate your fingers”
- use them as you pick up the lamb or kid to
check whether it has a full stomach or not.
Human intervention may be needed to ensure
sufficient colostrum intakes.Don't rely on “Mum”.’
Good hygiene, disease management, and ensuring appropriate
nutrition are the three main factors which affect the numbers of
lambs (or goat kids) born and successfully reared on a farm.
Here, Matt Pugh of Belmont Veterinary Practice in Hereford, has
some advice for sheep and goat farmers.
Veterinary surgeon
Matthew Pugh
XLVets practice
Belmont Veterinary
Centre, Hereford
MATTHEW PUGH,
BELMONT VETERINARY CENTRE
Preparation and ongoing risk
management are needed to
maximise the numbers of
lambs (and kids)
reared