Lamb Management
Profitability in sheep farming is largely dependant on the number of lambs weaned per ewe per year (aim should be at least two).
High prolific breeds (e.g. Finn, Romanov) used in the breeding program can achieve and surpass this.
Lamb survival is a result of good ewe management before and during lambing and attention to early care of lambs.
Producers with flocks having a high percentage of multiple births should consider artificial rearing as a means to save and successfully… Continue reading
Ewe nutrition and its effect on lamb growth
- In the pre-lambing season it is worthwhile remembering the nutrition requirements of the ewe and the impact it can have on lamb viability and growth. Ewe nutrition needs increase significantly and accelerate rapidly, in the 4-6 weeks before lambing.
- This is to support the rapidly growing fetus and encourage proper udder development for colostrum and milk production.
- 70% of lamb fetal growth occurs in the last 6 weeks, during which time rumen capacity and food intake are decreasing.
- If nutrient… Continue reading
Lambing Checklist
- Prepare Buildings – Ensure barns have good ventilation, are dry, no drafts, and a strict cleaning schedule as been prepared.
- Prepare supplies well ahead of lambing. For example- lambing equipment, thermometer, warming box, frozen colostrum etc.
- Select lambs for artificial rearing, e.g. the weaker, less aggressive lambs from ewes with three or more lambs, and malnourished or mis•mothered lambs from other ewes. Ideally leave similar weight, thrifty lambs with the ewe to avoid competition. Remove weak and ‘uneven’ lambs for… Continue reading
Lamb Survival
Profitability in sheep farming is largely dependant on the number of lambs weaned per ewe each year. Typically, the lambs weaned for each ewe exposed to a ram should be at least 2 or more. Lamb survival is a result of good ewe management before and during lambing and attention to early care of lambs.
Preparation tips for successful lambing and weaning:
Lambing date
Knowledge of lambing dates is important to ensure that ewes are managed appropriately to ensure successful… Continue reading