With winter weather near, producers will keep a close eye on their livestock. That includes gestating ewes.
When it comes to keeping ewes in shape, nutrition is the key component, says Jaelyn Whaley, Extension sheep specialist with South Dakota State University.
She says on a scale of 1 to 5, gestating ewes need to be in the 3 range when it comes to body condition score.
“It’s hard to add weight when they get into late gestation,” Whaley says. “They’re going to need that energy when they start to lactate.”
She says most ewes typically carry more than one lamb, which means more energy will definitely help them out. She says an ultrasound will help determine if ewes are carrying multiples. Ewes carrying twins are going to need 25% more energy than ewes carrying a single lamb.
She says pregnancy toxemia can impact ewes, and extra energy should help keep that away too.
“Corn is very energy-dense and it’s very cost-effective here in the Midwest,” Whaley says. “A pound or two of corn every day can really boost energy levels, and things like distillers grains, oats and barley also work well. But I would get the distillers tested to make sure it’s what you want.”
Health should also be a concern. Whaley says ewes should be given the clostridium and tetanus vaccine late in gestation. She says that will ensure there are few issues with clostridial diseases.
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“You want to make sure that those ewes have some mineral,” Whaley says. “If they don’t have the mineral they need, that can lead to poor-doing lambs. Ewes can get milk fever if they don’t have enough calcium.”
She says Vitamin E and selenium deficiencies are always a concern for newborn lambs.
Whaley recommends that forage be tested to make sure it’s of good quality.
“It’s pretty cheap insurance,” she says.
She says 85% of lambs are born in the first five months of the year, meaning they are being born during cold weather. Available shelter would be beneficial.
“If you shear, that usually takes place about a month prior to lambing,” Whaley says. “They need to have the ability to get out of the elements, so any kind of shelter is always good.”
It’s also important to keep a close eye on those ewes as they approach lambing, Whaley says. Things such as water must be monitored to make sure it is available.
Whaley says if ewes are kept in good condition, lambing difficulties should be minimal.
“A lot of people worry about feeding them too much in late gestation, but it’s more of a concern if poor nutrition is an issue,” she says. “That will definitely impact lamb vigor.”
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