Frequently Asked Questions on Sheep Nutrition

Q. Should I feed mineral (How much mineral should I feed) free choice on pasture?

Q. How do I monitor mineral intake?

In a well-managed pasture system with ewes, the pasture should do a good job of meeting energy and protein requirements of sheep. Feeding mineral is a good/recommended idea. Monitoring the intake is very simple even in free choice. By reading the manufacturer’s label, one can determine the recommended intake per head per day. By multiplying this by flock size, the recommended disappearance rate can be determined. By estimating how many times this weight of mineral divides into the commercial bag size (usually 25 kg) indicated how many days it should last. To stimulate intake, dry molasses may be added.

Q. Should I feed grain (How much grain should I feed) to my ewes?

If ewes are on well-managed pasture or good hay/silage, grain is not required for mature ewes suckling singles or twins. However, it will be required in a few cases:

• To help under condition ewes gain condition for timely conception. This may be for smaller ewes that have been bullied.
• For ewes pregnant with triplets or more.
• For ewes suckling triplets or more.
• For heavy milking ewes (losing condition quickly).

In addition to good quality free choice hay or pasture, feed grain in these cases* at 1.0 to 1.5 lbs. per ewe per day, divided into two feedings.

Q. How much of "Feed A" and "Feed B" should I feed to my sheep?

The feeding of various commodities and forages and their ratios to each other depends on the feed analysis for crude protein (CP), energy (TDN or NE) and calcium and phosphorus. A feed test should be undertaken for forages, and table values may be used for grains. Typically, feed companies will calculate rations in return for client business (sale of mineral, supplements, grain etc).

Q. I’ve heard about copper poisoning, how do I avoid it?

1. Avoid using beef or dairy rations/minerals. Use only sheep rations.
2. Do not use any copper in the mineral, unless there is evidence of copper deficiency, or effective copper deficiency (too high molybdenum).
3. Avoid grazing/haying land that has been fertilised with hog manure. Hog feed and manure are extremely high in copper.
4. Avoid copper piping.
5. Test feeds for copper level, and ensure the overall diet is 7 to 11 ppm copper.
6. Check with a veterinarian if you suspect poisoning

Q. How do I Creep Feed lambs?

Q. How do I formulate rations?

Procedure and rations are outlined in the Factsheet "Early Weaning of Lambs" available at offices and the web site.

Related Links

• Early Weaning of Lambs

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