1. We must insure that the flock starts the winter in a worm free
condition. They should be worm free at breeding. Study the individuals in
your flock and take appropriate steps to insure this condition. Quarantine
individuals if necessary.
2. High quality forage and/or hay. Just because the color is green does
not insure high protein hay. Testing is an inexpensive option. Digestible
nutrients are not always directly linked to protein percentages. When you
test your hay pay close attention to the TDN (total digestible nutrients), a
high TDN can offset a slightly lower protein percentage. An example of a
recommended test would have 14% protein with a TDN of 90. (further research
into nutrition can be obtained from lamb grant universities)
3. We provide grain as a source of energy, usually corn is the most cost
effective energy grain. Sheep need this energy to convert forage into
digestible nutrients.
4. Mineral is the often forgotten part of the nutrition equation. A high
quality sheep mineral should be fed free choice. In a high quality mineral
you can expect to find vitamins ADE, selenium and trace minerals.
5. Keep these ewes gaining weight until they lamb, there are many
opinions on how much they should gain, but the primary concern is that the
ewe does not lose weight in the last few weeks of gestation. Monitor the
ewes body condition and do not let her gain too much and create more stress
during lambing.
