Week 9

Sheep

Energy

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• Most Limiting Nutrient in Sheep Production
  • Inadequate Feed
  • Feeds of Low Quality

Energy Requirements for a 176 lb Ewe

Flushing

• Process of increasing energy 2 weeks prior to breeding and 2-3 weeks into breeding season
• Results in increased ovulation rates
  • 10-20% increase in lambing
• Involves increasing ME concentration in diet from 2.0 Mcal/kg to 2.1 Mcal/kg
  • 1.4 Mcal ME per day

Late Gestation

• Last 6 weeks most critical
  • 70% of fetal growth occurs during this time
  • Ewes with a single lamb need 37% more ME per day and those with twins 57% more ME per day
• Ketosis can be problem if energy not provided
• Inadequate nutrition also affects milk production and lamb birth weights

Requirements