Nutrition support during lambing and kidding Getting through lambing and kidding in the best possible health sets the ewe and doe up for a productive lactation. Health issues at this time can have a significant impact on the ability of the ewe or doe to come into milk well and reach peak milk potential. One of the unique challenges for sheep and goats (compared to cows for example) is the increased energy and nutrient demand from multiple foetuses that grow and develop in a relatively short gestation period. This places significant demand on the dam, which is why we tend to see metabolic issues such as ‘sleepy sickness’ in late gestation with sheep and goats. Sleepy sickness arises from the rapid mobilisation of body condition to meet energy demands, which can put the liver under immense pressure.
A build up of fat in the liver (known as ‘fatty liver’) can then reduce the ability of the liver to function normally, reducing glucose supply, milk production and overall wellbeing of the dam. To reduce the risk of fatty liver, increasing energy density of the diet leading up to lambing and kidding is critical. Feed additives like rumen protected choline can also make a significant impact by reducing the risk of fat build up in the liver. A range of positive effects have been observed in dairy cows1,2, goats3 and sheep4 fed rumen-protected choline, for example improved liver metabolism, reduced liver fat and increased milk production. Rumen protected choline can be added to specialist mineral premixes designed by Nutritech for highperformance dairy sheep and goats. It is recommended rumen-protected choline from one-month prelambing / pre-kidding through to peak lactation, along with trace elements, vitamins and Levucell®SC rumen specific live yeast. Levucell®SC rumen specific live yeast has a specific role in reducing inflammation of the rumen at transition, increasing fibre digestibility and reducing somatic cell count and is best started prior to kidding and lambing. For more information on nutrition options for ewes and does pre and post kidding, get in contact with your local Nutritech Area Manager who can talk you through the comprehensive Nutritech dairy sheep and dairy goat range.
Sheep and Goat Solutions
Protecting ewe, ewe, and you. Increased energy demands during gestation can be difficult to spot. Working closely with many dairy sheep farmers, Nutritech have developed a range of nutrition and forage solutions that support dairy sheep health and performance. Click here to find your local Nutritech Area Manager to arrange an on farm visit.
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