• FEB / MAR 2021
LAMBING 39
Managing Ewe Nutrition in Late Pregnancy Essential to Flock Performance
SUPPLEMENTING with a digestible undegradable protein block will support colostrum production while helping to meet increased energy requirements leading up to lambing
In the six weeks leading up to lambing , 75 percent of foetal growth takes place , significantly increasing metabolisable energy ( ME ) and protein requirements for ewes . According to Dr Alison Bond , nutritionist for Rumenco , sheep farmers must ensure these increased nutritional demands are being met to protect the longterm performance of their flock .
“ Not only are ewes partitioning energy towards rapid foetal growth in a very condensed period , but they are also starting to develop colostrum while maintaining their body condition ,” says Dr Bond . “ If these increased protein and ME requirements are not met and ewes are left malnourished , lamb birthweights will be reduced which will go on to impact growth rates . Lambs will also be at greater risk of hypothermia and can even suffer from fertility issues later in life due to the impact on foetal ovary and testes development . Ewe performance can also be harmed , with an increase in pregnancy toxaemia and delayed onset of lactation .”
Meeting energy and protein requirements
When it comes to determining a ewe ’ s increased nutritional requirements , Dr Bond recommends that ME is increased by 0.24MJ for each 10kg of bodyweight . The number of lambs carried and the proximity to lambing also impacts ME requirements . These varying factors make it essential to sort ewes based on their energy needs , keeping first-time lambers in separate groups to adult ewes . “ For example , a 70kg ewe carrying a single , three weeks pre-lambing has a ME requirement of 12.6 MJ / day , which increases to 16.7MJ / day with triplets – that ’ s a pretty substantial difference in energy demand ,” she says . “ Sorting doesn ’ t have to be overly complicated or a huge burden on infrastructure . If you have a thin ewe needing extra nutrients , stick her with higher demand ewes . So , a thin , single bearing ewe would go into the same group as your twin bearing ewes . A thin , twin bearing ewe would go into the same group as ewes carrying triplets .”
Along with a rise in ME requirements , the ewe ’ s protein demands will also have a notable increase during rapid foetal growth in the last six weeks of pregnancy – particularly in the last three weeks before lambing . For example , a 70kg ewe carrying twins will require 93g / day of metabolisable protein , which increases to 126g / day in the week before lambing .
Improving colostrum
According to Dr Bond , farmers should have forage analysed to determine what level of supplementation will be required . To reduce competition between ewes and to maintain stable intakes , Dr Bond recommends supplementing with a high energy and digestible undegradable protein ( DUP ) block or bucket like LIFELINE Lamb and Ewe .
Balanced with vitamin E and essential trace elements like selenium , synergistically supporting lamb vigour , LIFELINE Lamb and Ewe contains lactose , mannan-oligosaccharides and beta-glucans which work together to support the ewe ’ s immune function and colostrum quality .
“ Feeding a well-balanced , energy and quality protein bucket including minerals , vitamins and trace elements during this rapid period of foetal development can significantly increase immuno-globulin levels in the colostrum ,” explains Dr Bond .
Immunoglobulin content is an important measure of colostrum quality that infers passive immunity to disease in young lambs . In independent trial work by SAC , feeding innovatively balanced energy plus protein lick including minerals , vitamins and trace elements pre-lambing was found to increase colostrum immunoglobulin content by 25 % more than a standard energy bucket .
“ Supplementing with a high energy and DUP block or bucket supplement is an effective way to provide pre-lambing ewes and lambs with the right nutrition for long-term flock performance ,” concludes Dr Bond .
Prioritise hygiene to meet antibiotic reduction targets
SALES of antibiotics to treat UK farm animals have halved since targets were introduced in 2017 , making Britain the fifth lowest user in Europe . However , to continue to reduce antibiotic use still further , sound hygiene practices must be a focus for all farmers .
“ The new antibiotic reduction targets facilitated by Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture ( RUMA ) Alliance – and set out in ‘ Targets Task Force Report 2020 ’ – aim to see usage levels reduced further . If we are to continue to cut our use of antibiotics , the highest hygiene levels are needed , especially during lambing and calving ,” says vet Dan Humphries from Horizon Dairy Vets .
Postnatal diseases occur on livestock units largely due to a lack of hygiene awareness . For example , a focus on hygiene during lambing is one of the simplest and most economical ways to reduce lamb losses .
“ Approximately a third of losses in lowland flocks occur in the neonatal period and most are the result of diseases that can be prevented by keeping the shed or lambing area clean and disinfected ,” explains BASF rural hygiene specialist Helen Ainsworth .
“ Despite higher demand for disinfectants due to the coronavirus pandemic , BASF has stock of the disinfectant
Sorgene Xtra for UK farmers to buy throughout 2021 ,” she adds .
Sorgene Xtra is a disinfectant that can be used for general hygiene , spraying or specific disease control , dependent on the concentration .
“ Focussing on animal husbandry and using products that minimise risk at key times , such as lambing and calving , will help farmers reduce costs and antibiotic use ,” says Mr Humphries .
“ Any equipment should be kept in a solution of disinfectant when not being used . A solution of 1:250 of disinfectant is advised to store items such as water bowls , teats and milk dispensers ,” he adds .
For lambing and calving the hygienic preparation of sheds and pens will reduce the likelihood of postnatal diseases . Pressure washing using detergent before spraying with a disinfectant will help to eliminate bacteria , viruses , and other micro-organisms .
“ Attention to detail , preparation , and routines will help reduce the risk of infection and reduce costly losses . This will also reduce any subsequent reliance on antibiotics which will help the whole livestock sector in the UK improve animal welfare ,” concludes Mr Humphries .