Sheep Industry News January 2025

Sheep Nutrition PATRICK GUNN, PH.D. Purina Animal Nutrition

Tips for Improving Lambing Efficiency

L ambing efficiency is a useful performance indicator for commercial sheep producers. Defined by how many lambs a flock produces per breeding ewe, this metric is impor tant to measure and track over time. More lambs born alive and kept alive to weaning directly translates to a more profitable flock. Improving lambing efficiency depends on paying close atten tion to two areas: nutrition and health management. Both work hand-in-hand to support lambs that are born healthy, thrive post-birth and reach weaning without issues. Here are four tips to help you improve the lambing efficiency of your operation. PRE-BREEDING NUTRITION Proper ewe nutrition begins well before lambing season, dur ing the flushing period. Small ruminants are unique because they’re designed to have twins on average. To achieve this, we need to optimize ovulation, which is heavily influenced by nutri tion. The timing and balance of nutrients are critical in flushing. Boost nutrition at least 30 to 45 days before the breeding season for best results. While flushing is a common practice, not all ewes require the same protocol. Evaluate body condition scores and forage conditions to determine the amount of energy and/or protein needed for different groups of ewes. By supporting ewes with supplemental nutrition during the flushing period, you can help support improved ovulation rates and the chances of multiple births. LATE-GESTATION SUPPORT Nutritional needs change in late gestation as ewes are nearing lambing. Ewes carrying multiple lambs require higher energy levels to sustain both themselves and their lambs. Under-nour ished ewes commonly have an increased incidence of dystocia at lambing. The two best investments for producers looking to improve lambing efficiency are forage testing to tailor supplementation needs and ultrasound to accurately determine how many lambs a ewe is carrying. By adjusting nutrition based on forage quality and ewe pregnancy status, producers can greatly improve lamb ing efficiency and profitability.

Late-gestation nutrition can also play a role in colostrum qual ity and milk production. Colostrum provides antibodies to pro tect lambs in their first few days and milk production supports their rapid growth. Failure to provide adequate nutrition at this point can lead to issues like ketosis and weak lambs that struggle to survive, which, in turn, reduces overall lambing efficiency. The benefits of proper nutrition continue through lactation, where a well-balanced diet can sustain the lambs through their early weeks. Producers should ensure that ewes are receiving enough energy and nutrients to support lactation – particularly those with multiple lambs. YEAR-ROUND MINERALS Minerals and vitamins are crucial not just during flushing and late gestation, but throughout the entire year. Areas experiencing drought or stress need special attention, as the lack of green for age can deplete essential vitamins like A and E. In some cases, deficiency in these vitamins can lead to issues such as white muscle disease, affecting lamb survivability. Proper mineral supplementation – especially in challenging conditions – can have a significant impact on lamb health and weaning success. VETERINARY CARE While nutrition is an essential piece of the puzzle in support ing lambing efficiency, flock health is another important piece. There are many health challenges that can occur during gesta tion and around parturition that can impact a ewe’s ability to birth healthy, thrifty lambs. Less-than-ideal health protocols can quickly result in a loss of lambing efficiency. Work with your local veterinarian to discuss preventative health protocols and create a plan for emergency care, especially at lambing time. In cases where a veterinarian with small rumi nant experience isn’t easily accessible, state or local extension services or university veterinary schools with small ruminant specialists can be invaluable resources. Lambing efficiency requires a comprehensive approach involv ing nutrition, health management and veterinary care. Attend ing to these details can help you improve lambing rates, reduce mortality and increase the efficiency of your operation. Visit PurinaMills.com/sheep-feed to learn more.

26 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org