Best care for

Many sheep farms are now in the final stretch of the pre-lambing period.

Underfeeding ewes in late pregnancy can lead to significant problems such as light or weak lambs at birth, higher ewe and lamb mortality, thin ewes and a lack of colostrum.

One issue associated with underfeeding ewes is twin lamb disease (TLD) also known as Pregnancy Toxaemia.

This metabolic disease is caused by inadequate feeding in late pregnancy and is associated with ewes that are carrying multiple lambs. The ewe can’t get enough energy from the feed for herself or her lambs and as a result her blood glucose level drops.

The ewe then starts to burn her own back fat for energy.

This fat is then processed by her liver.

With large quantities of fat being broken down, the liver can’t process the volumes fast enough and it can’t breakdown the fat properly.

Chemicals called ketones are produced which are toxic to both the ewe and her lambs. The ewe’s bodily functions become impaired, and she develops TLD. This can lead to death within 12 hours if not treated rapidly.

Twin Lamb disease generally affects the following: thin or fat ewes; lame or ill ewes may not be able to graze effectively or stand long enough to feed; twin and triplet-bearing ewes may not be able to eat a lot due to a lack of room for their stomach caused by the increased size of their developing lambs (75 to 80 per cent of the total foetal growth occurs in the final 6 weeks of pregnancy).

The disease occurs predominately in the period right before lambing when the lambs are growing at their most rapid levels.

Bad weather can prevent ewes from accessing feed. Scanning ewes and prioritising those carrying twins and triplets will help with feed management pre-lambing.

The response to treatment is usually poor and mortality can be as high as 90 per cent.

Therefore, prevention is critically important.

Ewes suffering from TLD will separate from the flock. They will stay away from feeders or not come when concentrates are being fed.

They will lie down and refuse to get up when approached; they may appear dull, drowsy or blind and in some cases, their breath may smell sweet.

Ensure that ewes are in good health and body condition score (BCS) coming into lambing.

Introduce high energy high protein (18 to 20 per cent) concentrates for six to eight weeks pre-lambing (depending on litter size) and increase the

level of feeding gradually based on forage quality.

House sheep three-to-four weeks in advance of lambing to avoid sudden dietary change.

Ensure ewes have adequate feeding space – especially when it comes to feeding concentrates;

If you spot any thin ewes, then they should be given preferential treatment to bring them up to an ideal BCS of at least 3.0 at lambing time.

So, it’s important to identify thin ewes and offer them extra meal. A simple way of doing this is by moving thin twin-bearing ewes, for example, up to a similar feed level as the triplet-bearing ewes.

Good feeding management is critical.

Ensure adequate concentrate feed space. Keep a constant supply of fresh forage available and remove refusals regularly. Clean out drinkers regularly to ensure fresh water is in constant supply.

Introduce concentrate supplementation in time and step up gradually. Split concentrates into two feeds at least once feeding over 0.5kg per head per day. Treat incidences of lameness promptly as lame ewes are less likely to compete for feed. Keep an eye out for shy feeders and separate out to encourage them to eat meal.

During late pregnancy a substantial amount of foetal growth takes place, so getting diets right during this period is critical.

For the final two to three weeks of pregnancy, bypass protein is particularly important in the diet of ewes.

This protein is not broken down in the rumen but is digested and absorbed in the small intestine.

It supports mammary gland development and colostrum production.

Soybean meal is an excellent source of by-pass protein and has been shown to improve subsequent lamb performance. It is important that rations offered to ewes during late pregnancy contain a high percentage of soybean meal.

Rhyno Mills has two products available for ewes in late lactation. Rhyno Ewe Lac 18% and 20% Nuts. Our nuts contain high levels of maize and barley. Both are high UFL ingredients that will provide energy required by the ewe.

Both cereals provide starch which will increase colostrum production.

Soya bean meal is the main source of protein in both nuts providing the required protein for udder development, lamb growth and colostrum production.

Also included are high levels of Vitamin E and Selenium, which increase lamb vigour helping lambs stand and suckle earlier, protection against hypothermia and prevention of mastitis.

For more information, contact your local sales rep or Rhyno Mills on (066) 714 1205.