| Information sheets | | | Elsenburg infopaks | | | Animals, feeding: 2 |
The feeding of reproducing sheep and goats
Afrikaans | Xhosa
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The main goal in small-stock farming is the production of lambs. Most of these lambs are sold, while some of them are kept back for further breeding. Mainly the number of lambs that reach weaning or slaughter age determines the profitability of the enterprise. In a nutshell, the size and quality of the lamb crop determines how much money the farmer will make. |
Feeding is the most important factor in determining the production level of the animals. Feeding is important throughout the year, but during certain production stages special attention must be paid to this matter. The total feed requirement during certain stages can be as many as three times higher than during the dry periods. It is these production periods that are important.
Feeding is an important factor that influences the sexual activity of the ewe. The condition of the ewes at the time of mating has a strong influence on the number of ewes that will become impregnated during the mating season and then lamb after a full-term pregnancy.
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Another important stage is late pregnancy, that is the last six to eight weeks before lamming. Feeding at this stage has a particularly strong influence on the lamb's live weight and survival when it is born.
Underfeeding at this stage can lead to small and weak lambs and low milk production in the ewes. In addition to the nutrients that are required for the growth of the unborn lamb, nutrients are also required for udder development and the production of colostrum during the last three weeks of pregnancy. |
On the other hand, overly fat ewes are also undesirable. They have difficulty during lamming as a result of too large lambs and the accumulation of fat in the sexual canals of the ewe. Overly fat ewes are also prone to pregnancy disease in the case of sudden food scarcity.
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The nutritional requirement of the ewe is at its highest when the lamb suckles. Feeding during this period is important for good milk production and it is also the main determinant of the growth rate of the lamb. The lamb's chances of survival during the first two to three months also depend largely on the feeding of the ewe during this period. |
Lambs must start suckling as soon as possible after birth so that they can take in colostrum. Lambs that do not get colostrum after birth can be given either previously frozen sheep colostrum (defrosted and slightly warmed) or cow colostrum.
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In cases of emergency, lambs may be given artificial
colostrum. Artificial colostrum consists of 1 litre of full cream milk, one beaten egg, one tablespoon of sugar and one tablespoon of cooking oil. This mixture must be thoroughly beaten and warmed to body temperature.
The small-stock farmer usually wants to keep as many ewes as possible. Too many animals per given area, however, makes too high a demand on the veld as well as on the animals. |
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It is especially the ewes that have to raise their lambs that suffer under such circumstances. Although sheep and goats can recover quickly after a period of food scarcity, it is essential for these animals to receive sufficient feed during the critical periods such as mating, late pregnancy and lactation. Sufficient feed during these periods is essential for good production in the long term. |
TS Brand
ELSENBURG / Research
