Whole Grain in Lamb Rations

Recent research from University of British Columbia (Dr. Steve Mason, Livestock Nutritionist) indicates that growth rate and feed efficiency were improved when whole grain was fed to lambs compared to pelleted or mash feeds.

Much of the advantages came from higher dry matter intake and overall feed "acceptance" by the lambs. Feeding whole grain offers the following advantages:

1. Feed intake may increase by 25% while feed utilization remains similar for whole and pelleted grain.
2. Growth rate is up to 20% faster with whole grain.
3. Feed conversion is improved by up to 10%.
4. Whole grain produced a firmer and more desirable fat finish on the carcass.
5. Whole grain does not cause damage to the rumen.
6. When feeding whole grain, there is less probability of off feed problems caused by acidosis.

When forage is fed with the grain, additional evidence shows that whole grain is preferable to pellets. Feed intake is again higher, and the utilization of the forage is improved. The choice of grain will vary by location and in most northern regions, mixed grain or barley is probably the best for lamb feeding.

As always, review your feeding program with a nutritionist and make feed changes slowly. Evaluation of the protein content and quality is also important.