Meeting ewes’ nutritional requirements during late pregnancy is of key importance as seventy per cent of foetal growth occurs during the final six weeks. The udder also develops and the feeding regime will influence colostrum quality. Thin, pale fore-milk indicates poor pre-lambing feeding whilst thick, yellow colostrum suggests the ewes have been well-fed.
At this time the ewe’s energy and protein requirements increase rapidly, more than doubling for those carrying twins. However, as the lambs grow and take up more room, ewe appetite reduces by about 30%. It is therefore important to increase the nutrient density of the ration to keep pace with foetal growth.
Supplementary concentrate feeding should complement the forage offered, and should be gradually increased either by step rate or flat rate feeding.
Scanning ewes between 40 and 90 days of pregnancy means it is possible to match the ration to the ewes’ needs and avoid wasteful overfeeding.
Body condition score (BCS) is an essential management tool for assessing adequate nutrition. Ensure that the ewes do not lose more than half a BCS in late pregnancy. Prioritise feed to lean ewes and keep an eye on fat ones (BCS>3.5), as both are at risk of metabolic diseases.
It is important to provide adequate trough space to ensure each ewe in the group receives her share. Alternatively, compound feed can be scattered on the floor providing the ground or bedding is clean and dry. However, if there is an outbreak of an infectious disease such as enzootic abortion, consider changing to trough feeding.
The ewe’s requirement for water increases significantly in late pregnancy and early lactation. It is essential to provide ad-lib fresh water at all times. A ewe in late pregnancy can consume six litres per day; this will rise to eight litres in early lactation.
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